Review the Denial Letter

The first step after receiving a denial is to carefully review the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) denial letter. This letter will explain the reasons your claim was denied and provide helpful details on what you can do next. Common reasons for denial include:

• Insufficient medical evidence: Your condition may not have been documented thoroughly enough.
• Failure to meet the SSA’s definition of disability: The SSA requires that your disability prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death.
• Income or work history issues: If your income or work history doesn’t meet the SSA’s criteria, your claim might be denied.

Understanding why your claim was denied will help you determine your next steps.

Appeal the Decision

If your Social Security Disability claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. In fact, the majority of applicants are initially denied but are approved after they appeal. There are several levels of the appeals process:

• Request Reconsideration: This is the first step in the appeal process. A different SSA claims examiner will review your case, considering any new evidence you submit. This step doesn’t involve a hearing but can help correct errors made during the initial decision.
• Request a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing. This is where you’ll present your case in front of an ALJ who will make a decision based on the evidence presented. You can bring witnesses, such as medical experts, to support your case.
• Appeal to the Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can ask the SSA’s Appeals Council to review your case. They will check if there were any legal errors in the judge’s decision.
• File a Federal Court Appeal: If the Appeals Council upholds the ALJ’s decision, you may have the option to appeal the case to a federal court.

Gather Additional Evidence

One of the most common reasons SSD claims are denied is insufficient medical evidence. To strengthen your case during the appeals process, it’s important to gather and submit additional documentation, such as:

• Updated medical records: If you’ve seen new doctors or received additional treatments since your initial application, make sure to submit this information.
• Statements from healthcare providers: Ask your treating physician(s) to write detailed statements explaining how your condition affects your ability to work and perform daily activities.
• New test results or examinations: If you’ve had any new tests or evaluations, these can help demonstrate the severity of your condition.

Stay Organized and Meet Deadlines

The appeals process can take time, so it’s essential to stay organized. Keep copies of all correspondence with the SSA, medical records, and other important documents. Also, be sure to adhere to deadlines. For example:

• Requesting reconsideration: You must request reconsideration within 60 days of receiving the denial notice.
• Requesting a hearing: You must request a hearing within 60 days of the reconsideration denial.

Missing deadlines can delay your case or even result in your claim being dismissed, so make sure to act promptly.

Consider Getting Help from a Social Security Disability Attorney

While it’s not required, hiring a disability lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success in appealing your claim. A lawyer can help by:

• Reviewing your case and identifying why your claim was denied.
• Gathering evidence and working with medical experts to strengthen your case.
• Representing you during the hearing process and helping you present your case effectively to the ALJ.

Social Security Disability claims and appeals can be complex, so having an experienced attorney on your side can make a big difference in the outcome.