What Can You Do If Your Initial Social Security Disability Application Is Denied?
Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be a long and frustrating process, particularly when you are already dealing with a medical condition that prevents you from working. Receiving a denial after completing your initial Social Security Disability application can therefore be incredibly discouraging.
However, an initial denial in your SSD case does not necessarily mean that you are not entitled to Social Security Disability benefits. You may have the right to appeal the decision and continue pursuing your claim. Here we discuss what may happen after an initial denial and how an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can help you.
Read Your Social Security Disability Denial Notice Carefully
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your initial application, you should receive a notice explaining its decision. Do not simply put the letter aside because you assume your Social Security Disability case is over. The denial notice can contain important information about why your claim was denied and your right to appeal. Understanding the reason for the denial can also help determine what issues may need to be addressed as your claim moves forward.
You Can Request Reconsideration
Typically, the first level of appeal after an initial Social Security Disability denial is reconsideration. During reconsideration, someone who was not involved in the original decision conducts a new review of your claim. The law imposes a 60-day deadline to request an appeal after receiving a decision. Missing an appeal deadline can create significant problems for your Social Security Disability claim, so it is important to act promptly rather than waiting to see whether your medical condition improves.
If your claim is denied again at reconsideration, your case may still not be over. Additional levels of appeal may be available, including requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Your Social Security Disability Claim May Need Additional Evidence
A Social Security Disability appeal is also an opportunity to determine whether additional evidence could help support your claim. Depending on the circumstances, this may include updated medical records, information about new diagnoses or treatments, test results, or evidence showing how your medical conditions affect your ability to function and work. If your condition has changed or worsened since you initially applied, updated medical evidence may be particularly important.
Rather than simply submitting the same information again, it can be helpful to understand why your initial Social Security Disability application was denied and whether there are gaps or weaknesses in the existing evidence.
A Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help After an Initial Denial
The bottom line is that you do not have to give up simply because your first Social Security Disability application was unsuccessful. An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can review your denial, evaluate the evidence in your file, identify information that may strengthen your claim, help you navigate the appeals process, and fight for you.
The experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law help disabled SSD applicants pursue the Social Security Disability benefits they need. If your initial Social Security Disability application was denied, contact Nationwide Disability Law today to discuss your claim and learn more about your options now.
