The 2009 Social Security statistics for disability allowances and denials at the various levels of review have been released.

I discussed the statistics briefly in my previous post, Appeal your Denial.

The notable thing about the new 2009 statistics is how close they are to the 2008 statistics. On a percentage basis, the allowance/denial rates are almost identical.

Here is 2009:

Here is 2008:

The similarity year over year is almost eerie. It makes you wonder.

By the way, here is the full 2009 Waterfall Chart, which shows the Appeals Council and federal court decisions as well.