Social Security Disability benefits help many people and their families get by after they suffer a disabling condition. Without these benefits, many families may have nowhere else to turn to for financial assistance. Still, the Social Security Administration (SSA) often denies initial claims.
That’s where our denied Social Security Disability lawyers can help. At Marc Whitehead & Associates, our lead attorney, Marc Whitehead, puts his double-board certification in Social Security Disability law and litigation to work for his clients.
Call us now to schedule a free initial consultation. We can explain more about how our disability lawyers can help with a denied claim.
Don’t Take “No” for an Answer—Hire a Lawyer to Appeal Your Denied Social Security Disability Claim
Receiving a Social Security disability denial is disappointing, but don’t give up. The vast majority of claims are eventually approved, but only after going through the proper appeals channels with skilled legal representation.
Without initiating appeals and presenting a strong case at each stage, you’ll likely miss out on the benefits you deserve. Take a look at how an experienced lawyer can navigate a denied Social Security Disability claim:
Reconsideration Request
This first level provides another chance to have your initial application freshly reviewed by a different examiner. Your lawyer will submit any additional medical evidence, test results, and physician statements that were incomplete or overlooked previously.
This supplemental documentation can result in approval at this stage. If it doesn’t, our denied Social Security Disability attorneys can escalate your case to the next stage of the appeal process.
Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing
If still denied after reconsideration, the next step is requesting an in-person hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This allows your attorney to argue your case directly and provide context around your limitations. Witnesses can testify on your behalf, and your lawyer can cross-examine vocational and medical experts called by Social Security. The ALJ’s findings carry significant weight.
Appeals Council Review
For cases still denied after an ALJ hearing, a disability lawyer will initiate an Appeals Council review. This appellate level examines the hearing record to determine if the ALJ erred in evaluating evidence, documenting limitations, or interpreting Social Security disability policies correctly. If issues are identified, your case may get remanded for a new hearing.
Federal Court Lawsuit
When all administrative appeals channels have been exhausted, your final recourse is to file a lawsuit in federal district court. Here, a judge conducts a thorough review of your entire record to determine if Social Security’s denial was supported by substantial evidence. This judicial scrutiny is often a claimant’s best hope for rectifying unjust denials.
From compiling the strongest medical file to presenting unimpeachable arguments at every appeal juncture, having a Disability lawyer’s legal guidance is invaluable. Don’t take a denial as the final word. Legal representation is often the key to eventually getting your rightful Social Security disability benefits approved.
For a free legal consultation with a denied social security disability lawyer serving Nationwide, call 800-562-9830
Our Disability Attorneys Can Establish Your Disability Through Medical Evidence and Vocational Factors
When the Social Security Administration evaluates your disability claim, the key factors are whether you have a medically determinable severe physical or mental impairment and how significantly it impacts your functional capacity for work-related activities.
A denied SSD lawyer can gather comprehensive evidence to demonstrate your disabling condition qualifies you for benefits.
Satisfying Medical Listing Requirements
The SSA maintains strict criteria for its listing of impairments considered inherently disabling based on severity, like certain respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health conditions.
Our denied Social Security Disability claim attorney will obtain the necessary objective medical evidence, such as clinical notes, lab results, and physician assessments, to show your impairment meets or exceeds one of these listings.
Qualifying Through Medical-Vocational Allowances
However, many claimants with unlisted or less severe impairments may still be approved based on a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment in combination with medical-vocational factors like:
- Your age
- Level of education and skills
- Prior work history
Our lawyer will consult vocational experts and provide an accurate, well-supported assessment of how your RFC limits your ability to perform any sustained work. From there, your age, education, and background determine if you should be awarded disability benefits.
Whether proving your condition is disabling per a medical listing or establishing qualifications through an RFC and vocational analysis, having legal representation is invaluable.
Disability lawyers know what evidence the SSA requires and how to present a case substantiating your impairment and limitations through all available medical and vocational documentation.
Nationwide Denied Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me 800-562-9830
Our Denied Social Security Disability Attorneys Work on Contingency
Hiring a denied Social Security Disability lawyer from Marc Whitehead & Associates doesn’t require any upfront payment. These firms work on a contingency basis, only collecting fees if they successfully appeal your denial and you’re awarded benefits.
The SSA dictates the fees for representation in appeals, and you won’t have to pay any more to work with our board-certified lawyer. Our Disability lawyers also offer free case evaluations. This allows you to explore your appeal options without obligation before deciding whether to retain our services.
You have everything to gain and nothing to risk by consulting a Disability lawyer about your denied claim. With contingency fees and free evaluations, you can secure legal advocacy at no financial risk.
Click to contact our Nationwide Disability Lawyers today
Let Our Lawyers Help With Your Denied Social Security Disability Claim
A denied SSD claim can be daunting, but don’t give up hope. You can hire a lawyer from Mac Whitehead & Associates to help you through the various stages of appealing a denied claim and seek the benefits you deserve.
Contact us for more information. We can discuss your options during a complimentary consultation and explain more about how we can help you.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
