SSDI Denial Lawyer Evansville, IN

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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) exists to help Americans who’ve become unable to work as a result of debilitating medical conditions. Ideally, receiving these benefits would be as simple as submitting proof of disability and waiting for approval. Unfortunately, in the real world, tight agency budgets and rollbacks of the social safety net have led to valid claims being denied. In fact, according to the Social Security Administration’s estimates, roughly two-thirds of initial applications are denied.

If this has happened to you, contact Wambach Disability Law for a free initial case review with a Social Security Disability Insurance attorney. We can help you appeal a denied SSDI claim and demand the financial benefits you’re entitled to because of your work history and disabling condition.

Common Reasons for SSDI Claim Denials

Some of the most frequent reasons why the Social Security Administration denies SSDI claims include:

Insufficient medical evidence proving the existence or severity of a disabling medical condition
Disability is not expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
Earning income above the substantial gainful activity threshold
Insufficient work credits or an inadequate recent work history
Failure to follow recommended treatment
Errors on application forms or missing or inconsistent information

Many SSDI claims denials occur due to technical reasons, such as application errors or insufficient medical evidence, rather than because an applicant does not have a disability that will qualify them for SSDI benefits. As a result, receiving a denial notice does not mean the end of your claim. You have legal options to continue pursuing benefits for your disability.

What to Do After the Social Security Administration Denies Your SSDI Claim

Here are some important steps you can take when you learn the Social Security Administration has denied your SSDI claim:

Don’t panic: First, you should not lose hope of obtaining SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration denies the majority of SSDI claims due to the strict eligibility requirements. However, many people have their claims denied because they made errors on their application or submitted insufficient information. Fortunately, you can challenge the initial denial of your SSDI claim.
Review the denial notice: Read the SSA’s denial letter carefully to understand the reason(s) the agency denied your claim. This can help you prepare an administrative appeal by correcting your application or obtaining additional information to supplement your claim.
Confirm your appeal deadlines: You likely have 60 days after the denial of your SSDI claim to pursue an administrative appeal. The denial notice may confirm the deadline for appealing the decision.

Finally, contact a Social Security disability attorney as soon as possible. Hiring experienced legal advocacy can improve your chances of success when you appeal the denial of your SSDI claim.

The SSDI Appeals Process Explained

Appealing the denial of an SSDI claim may involve several stages, depending on how far you choose to pursue your claim or the stage at which you obtain approval of your claim. Below are the main steps in the SSDI appeals process:

Request for reconsideration

First, you can request reconsideration of your SSDI claim. In reconsideration, a new claims reviewer will review your application and supporting documentation. The new claims reviewer will not have any decision materials prepared by the claims reviewer who initially reviewed and denied your claim. When you request reconsideration, you can submit additional information and documentation to supplement your claim, which can help correct errors with your initial application that led to the denial of your claim. For example, if the SSA denied your claim for insufficient medical evidence of a disability, you can submit new medical documentation to correct the deficiencies in the record.

Hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ)

If the new claims reviewer also denies your SSDI claim, you may continue your appeal by requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge. The hearing can occur in person at a local Social Security office or via telephone or video conference. An administrative law judge will have extensive knowledge and experience in applicable Social Security laws and regulations.

During the hearing, you can present witnesses or expert testimony to bolster your claim. You can also present new or additional documentary evidence, which can help correct deficiencies in the medical record that may have led to the prior denials of your SSDI claim. You or your attorney can also present legal arguments at the hearing for why the Social Security Administration should approve your claim.

Appeals Council review

Should an ALJ uphold the denial of your SSDI claim, you can appeal that determination by requesting review by the Social Security Administration’s Appeals Council. The Appeals Council will review the ALJ’s decision for factual or legal errors. You or an attorney can submit a brief arguing why the ALJ erred in upholding the denial of your claim.

Federal court review

Finally, if the Appeals Council affirms the denial of your SSDI, you can resort to filing a lawsuit in federal court to seek judicial review of your claim. A U.S. District Court will review your case. Should the district court dismiss your lawsuit, you can appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Why You Should Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney

A Social Security disability lawyer from Wambach Disability Law can help you appeal a denied SSDI claim by:

Reviewing the denial notice to understand the basis for the SSA’s decision and develop a legal strategy for your appeal
Walking you through the SSDI appeals process so you know what to expect
Gathering additional information and documents to supplement the record and bolster your claim
Presenting compelling written and oral documents during your appeal
Advising you at each stage of your appeal to help you make informed decisions

Why Choose Our SSD Law Firm?

Your choice of legal representation can make a difference in the outcome of your SSDI appeal. Turn to a Social Security disability lawyer from Wambach Disability Law to advocate for your interests in an SSDI appeal because:

Attorney Joe Wambach has over a decade of experience representing ordinary people in their Social Security claims. He has handled over a thousand administrative hearings, giving him broad insights into the challenges that claimants face and the effective, tailored solutions that can overcome those challenges.
Joe provides every client with the personal attention they need and deserve. When you call Wambach Disability Law, you will talk to Joe, not an assistant or paralegal. Joe will take the time to help you understand your legal options after a denial of your SSDI claim to help you make informed decisions.
We charge no fee upfront to start working on your case. We get paid only if we successfully appeal the denial of your SSDI claim. That’s how committed we are to your well-being.

Contact Our Firm Today for Help Appealing a Denied SSDI Claim

Have you developed a medical condition that prevents you from working? If so, you could be entitled to SSDI benefits—although securing those benefits may be more complicated than it should be. If your initial claim has been denied, contact Wambach Disability Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Social Security disability lawyer. We look forward to meeting you and explaining your legal options for appealing a denial of your SSDI claim.

Contact Our Firm Today to Discuss Your Legal Rights

If a disability has kept you from working, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Get the answers you need right now when you contact Wambach Disability Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable, caring Social Security disability lawyer.