What to Do When Social Security Denies Your Disability Claim

 Posted on October 24, 2023 in Social Security Disability

Finding out your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim has been denied can be devastating. However, working with an experienced Texas lawyer to appeal the decision offers real hope. Many initially rejected applicants ultimately get approved for benefits. There are several steps to take.

Understand Your Appeal Options in Texas

You have 60 days from the denial date to request an appeal for reconsideration. You can request a hearing with an administrative law judge if that is denied. If still unsuccessful, the final options are an Appeals Council review and federal court. You should be aware that appeals can take over a year in Texas.

Be Sure to Have Additional Medical Evidence

A top reason for denials is the lack of satisfactory medical documentation of your disability. A lawyer can help obtain detailed records, evaluations, and opinions from your doctors that prove you qualify under Social Security’s criteria. New evidence significantly strengthens appeals, which can help improve your chances.

Create an Impactful Personal Statement

Explaining how your conditions prevent you from working can help others get an inside look at how this affects you. Work with your lawyer to write a personal statement compellingly describing your daily struggles and debilitating symptoms for reviewers.

Pinpoint Exact Reasons for Denial

Understanding why you were denied allows you to address deficiencies directly. Common reasons include insufficient proof of disability, earning capacity misjudgments, or flawed determinations you can adjust to other work. Analyze the decision and how to tackle each one to prove them wrong.

Review Your Entire Claim File

Order a copy of your claim file from Social Security and scour it for inaccuracies, missing information, or contradictions that possibly led to the denial. For example, work history errors may incorrectly indicate earning ability. Without reviewing your entire claim, you may miss important information that will give you clues on what may have gone wrong for them to deny your claim.

Contact a Plano, TX Social Security Disability Lawyer

Working with a Collin County, TX social security disability attorney who is well-versed in the appeals process and proven disability claim strategies can improve your chances. You should not go through the process alone. There is a lot of legal jargon and paperwork that you could mess up easily and ruin your chances. Call The Law Offices of Coats & Todd at 972-671-9922 for a free case evaluation to see where you should start and the next steps you can take.