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Getting a denial after applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be discouraging, especially when you are unable to work because of a severe medical condition. However, a denial is not always the end of your claim. An SSD appeal lawyer in Rutherfordton can help you fight for the benefits you need.
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, our Rutherfordton Social Security disability lawyers know how frustrating the SSD appeals process can be. With more than 10,000 clients served, our firm has earned a reputation for providing dedicated legal representation. Call today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Why Are Social Security Disability Claims Denied?
Many initial SSD applications are denied, often for reasons that can be addressed during the appeals process. A denial does not necessarily mean you are ineligible for benefits.
Common reasons SSD claims are denied include:
- Not enough medical evidence to support your disability
- Missing or incomplete medical records
- The Social Security Administration believes you can still perform certain types of work
- Your condition is not expected to last long enough to meet eligibility requirements
- Errors or missing information on your application
- Failure to follow prescribed medical treatment without a valid reason
Our SSD appeal attorneys in Rutherfordton carefully review your application and all supporting documents to identify any problems. We will explain why your initial SSD application was denied and strengthen your file.
How Our Rutherfordton SSD Appeal Attorneys Can Help
A denied Social Security Disability claim can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re already coping with a serious health condition and the stress of lost income. You don’t have to figure out the appeals process on your own. Our Rutherfordton SSD appeal attorneys will walk you through each step.
Our attorneys can assist by:
- Reviewing the reasons your claim was denied
- Gathering updated medical records and supporting evidence
- Communicating with your healthcare providers
- Preparing and filing appeal paperwork
- Meeting important filing deadlines
- Representing you during an Administrative Law Judge hearing
- Answering your questions throughout the process
Having experienced legal guidance can make the appeals process less stressful. We will use all available evidence to show why you need to receive SSD benefits.
Understanding the SSD Appeals Process
If your claim has been denied, you can appeal the decision. The Social Security Administration provides several levels of appeal, each with its own requirements and deadlines.
You do not always need to complete every stage of the appeals process. The first step is typically to request a review of the decision. If you are still unhappy with the outcome after that review, you can continue to the next level of appeal until your case is resolved.
Request for Reconsideration
At this stage, a different Social Security reviewer takes another look at your claim. They’ll examine the information you originally submitted along with any new medical records or other evidence that supports your disability.
Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge
If your claim is denied again, you can ask for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is often the most important part of the appeals process because it gives you the chance to explain how your condition affects your daily life and your ability to work.
The judge will review your medical records, listen to testimony, and consider all of the available evidence before issuing a decision.
Appeals Council Review
If the judge denies your claim, you still have another option. You can ask the Appeals Council to review the decision. The Council will take a closer look at your case to see if the judge applied the law correctly and followed the proper procedures.
After reviewing the record, it may uphold the decision, send your case back for a new hearing, or, in some situations, issue a new decision.
Federal Court
If you’ve gone through the administrative appeals process without success, you may still have one more option. In some cases, you can ask a federal court to review your claim.
Although not every case qualifies, our Rutherfordton Social Security Disability appeal attorneys can determine whether this step makes sense for your situation.
Act Quickly After Receiving an SSD Denial
If your Social Security Disability claim is denied, you have only a limited amount of time to challenge that decision. In most cases, you must file your appeal within 60 days of receiving your denial notice.
Missing this deadline could delay your case or even require you to start the application process over. The sooner you call our Rutherfordton SSD appeal lawyers, the more time we can spend on strengthening your claim.
Why Choose Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC?
Clients trust Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC because we offer:
- Experienced attorneys with extensive knowledge of Social Security Disability law
- Personalized attention and responsive communication
- Thorough preparation for every stage of the appeals process
- More than 10,000 clients served
- Over $100 million recovered across our practice areas
- Recognition as Best of Rutherford County from 2011 through 2023
We understand how important disability benefits can be for you and your family. Our Rutherfordton SSD appeal attorneys help you pursue every available option.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Rutherfordton SSD Appeal Attorneys
If your Social Security Disability claim has been denied, you still have options. An appeal may give you another opportunity to obtain the benefits you need to support yourself and your family.
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we help clients navigate the SSD appeals process with knowledgeable guidance. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how our Rutherfordton Social Security Disability appeal attorneys can help you move forward.
