Southlake, TX Social Security Disability Lawyers

Attorneys Helping Address Issues That Can Affect Disability Claims in Southlake, Texas

Serious medical conditions or mental health disorders can affect a person's life, income, and finances. In these situations, it may be possible to receive disability benefits through Social Security. However, the process of applying for disability benefits and demonstrating that you have a qualifying disability can be challenging. A variety of requirements will need to be met, and strict deadlines will apply during the application process.

For residents of Southlake, Texas, The Law Offices of Coats & Todd provides dedicated assistance to help navigate the complex Social Security disability system. Whether you are preparing to apply for benefits or are concerned about the denial of your claim, we are ready to work with you and make sure you can make a strong case for disability benefits.

Challenges That May Affect Disability Applications

When you apply for Social Security disability benefits, you will need to address several critical issues. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates applications carefully to determine whether a medical condition is a qualifying disability, and even small mistakes can result in a denial. Common challenges include:

• Medical Documentation: Providing thorough and accurate medical evidence is essential. Social Security will closely review medical records to determine whether a condition is considered a disability.
• Work Credit Requirements: To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must show that you have earned enough work credits during your career.
• Application Accuracy: Your application will be reviewed to ensure that all information is correct and that nothing has been omitted.
• Proof of Disability: The SSA requires evidence that your condition meets its definition of a disability, which includes significant limitations on your ability to work.

Common Reasons for Social Security Disability Claim Denials

Social Security disability claims may be denied for many different reasons. Understanding some of the common pitfalls in disability applications can help you avoid costly mistakes. Denials may occur because of:

• Insufficient Medical Evidence: Failure to provide detailed and relevant medical documentation is a leading cause of denials.
• Failure to Meet Work Requirements: Applicants who do not have enough work credits may not qualify for benefits.
• Earning Income Above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit: If an applicant earns more than the SSA’s income threshold, their claim may be rejected.
• Non-Severe Impairment: The SSA may determine that the condition is not severe enough to prevent an applicant from maintaining gainful employment.
• Failure to Cooperate With SSA Requests: Ignoring queries from the SSA for additional information or missing appointments for medical evaluations can lead to a denial.
• Improper Application Submission: Applications that are incomplete, inaccurate, or submitted after the applicable deadlines may be denied.

How to Avoid Common Issues in Social Security Disability Claims

To improve your chances of approval, our attorneys can make sure you:

• Provide Comprehensive Medical Records: We will ensure that all relevant medical evidence, including doctor’s statements, test results, and treatment histories, is gathered and submitted.
• Stay Organized: We will help you track deadlines and keep detailed records of all interactions with the SSA.
• Fill Out Forms Correctly: We will review your application for accuracy, identify potential issues, and ensure that all required documentation is included.
• Respond Promptly to SSA Requests: We will make sure you cooperate fully with inquiries from the SSA and attend any scheduled appointments.

Options for Appealing a Denial of Disability Benefits

If your application is denied, this does not have to be the end of the road. The SSA provides a multi-step appeals process that will allow you to address unfavorable decisions. These stages include:

• Reconsideration: We will work with you to request a new review of your application by a different SSA representative. At this stage, we can help you submit additional evidence that may help your claim.
• Administrative Hearing: If your claim is denied again after reconsideration, we will help you prepare for a hearing where you will be able to appear before a judge and provide information to show that you qualify for disability benefits. We will advocate for you and make sure all evidence and testimony are presented correctly.
• Appeals Council Review: If the judge denies your claim, we will work with you to appeal this decision. We will make sure you provide the right information to Social Security's Appeals Council that demonstrates that there were errors in the judge’s ruling.
• Federal Court Appeal: If all prior levels of appeal are unsuccessful, we will work with you to file an appeal in federal court, and we will advocate for you to demonstrate that you deserve to receive disability benefits.

Each stage of the appeals process has strict deadlines and procedural requirements. Our attorneys will ensure that your appeal is prepared correctly and that all forms and documents are filed on time.

Contact Our Southlake Social Security Disability Attorneys Today

If you need help with legal issues related to Social Security disability benefits, The Law Offices of Coats & Todd has the skills and experience needed to assist you. Call 972-671-9922 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you secure the benefits you deserve.