Has the Social Security Administration (SSA) denied your disability claim? If so, you should know that a denial from the SSA isn’t necessarily the final word on your claim. The appeals process exists for a reason, and many claimants who fight back ultimately win the benefits they deserve.
The attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons know how to appeal a disability denial, and we’ve built our reputation on taking on powerful institutions on behalf of everyday Oklahomans who deserve better. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation with a disability denial claim lawyer and discuss your next steps.
Common Reasons for SSDI Claim Denials
If the SSA denied your disability claim, you’re far from alone. The SSA rejects more claims than it approves, often for reasons that have nothing to do with the severity of your condition. The following are some of the most common grounds for denial:
- Insufficient medical evidence
- Failure to meet the SSA’s definition of disability
- Too much income or substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- Failure to follow treatment recommendations
- Insufficient work credits
- The SSA determining you can perform other types of work
- Incomplete or inaccurate application details
- Failure to cooperate with the SSA
- Prior disability denials on record
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for SSDI Benefits?
You must meet both medical and work-related criteria to qualify for SSDI benefits. Medically, you must prove that you have a physical or mental condition that keeps you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. On the work side, you need a certain number of work credits, which you earn through years of working and contributing payroll taxes to Social Security.
Meeting both medical and work criteria doesn’t guarantee approval, but failing to meet either will result in a denial.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
Most people who receive a denied Social Security disability determination have the right to appeal, and many claimants ultimately secure benefits through the appeals process.
The first thing to do if you receive a denial letter is to read it carefully. The SSA is required to explain why it rejected your claim, and its explanation will tell you exactly what you’re working with. From there, you have 60 days from the date you receive the letter to file an appeal.
An attorney can help you understand your options and take the right steps before that window closes.
How Can the Disability Denial Claim Lawyers at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons Help?
The SSDI appeals process is complicated, and the SSA isn’t going to help you win your case. That’s where we come in. At Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, our SSDI/SSI attorneys have spent decades fighting for Oklahomans who deserve better than a denial letter. We’re ready to put that experience to work for you by doing the following:
- Reviewing your denial letter to determine the SSA’s reason for rejecting your claim
- Gathering and organizing medical records and other supporting evidence
- Identifying and addressing any weaknesses in your original application
- Advising you on whether reapplying or appealing is the stronger path forward
- Filing your appeal on time and in compliance with SSA requirements
- Preparing you for hearings and representing you throughout the appeals process
- Communicating directly with the SSA on your behalf
How Many Times Can You Appeal a Social Security Disability Denial in Oklahoma?
The SSDI appeals process has four levels. The first is reconsideration, where a different SSA reviewer takes a fresh look at your claim. If the reconsideration still results in a denial, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). If you don’t succeed at that stage, you can appeal to the SSA’s Appeals Council for further review. If the Appeals Council denies your claim or declines to review it, you can take your case to federal district court.
Each level of the appeals process has strict deadlines and requirements, so it’s worth having a lawyer guide you through the process from the start.
FAQs
The SSDI appeals process raises a lot of questions. The following are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from claimants who have received a denied Social Security disability determination and aren’t sure what to do next.
How long does the SSDI appeals process take in Oklahoma?
It depends. Reconsideration is generally the fastest appeal stage, since it’s an internal SSA review rather than a formal hearing. If your case advances to an ALJ hearing, it could take considerably longer. If you need to go beyond that to the Appeals Council or federal court, the process could take years rather than months. Wait times also vary depending on the backlog at your local SSA hearing office or court.
Can I submit new evidence during my appeal?
Yes, and in many cases, new evidence is what turns denied claims into approved ones. The SSA allows you to submit additional medical records, doctors’ opinions, test results, and other documentation at the reconsideration and ALJ hearing stages. An attorney can help you identify what’s missing from your file and work with your treating physicians to fill those gaps before your appeal.
Can I reapply instead of appealing?
You can, but in most situations, an appeal is the smarter move. When you reapply, you start the process over from scratch, which means more time and no guarantee of a different outcome. An appeal, on the other hand, gives you the opportunity to address the specific reasons the SSA denied your claim. There are circumstances in which reapplying makes sense, such as when your condition has changed significantly. An attorney can help you weigh both options and choose the right path.
What happens if I miss the appeal deadline?
If you miss the 60-day deadline to appeal, the SSA will generally treat your denial as final. At that point, you will likely need to start a new application, which means going back to square one. The SSA does allow deadline extensions in limited circumstances if you can show good cause for the delay, but don’t count on an extension. If you recently received a disability claim denied letter, contact an attorney right away so you don’t lose your right to appeal.
Call Our Oklahoma Disability Lawyers for Help If You’re Appealing a Disability Denial
If the SSA denied your disability claim, the clock is already running on your 60-day window to appeal. Don’t wait. The disability denial claim lawyers at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons are ready to review your case and fight for the benefits you’ve earned. Contact us today to get started with your free, fully confidential consultation.
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