If You Were Denied Disability Benefits, Ask About Our SSD Appeals Process

Through years of law practice in the area of Social Security Disability claims and appeals, I have found that the most effective path for people is to file claims first and contact the law firm next if those disability claims are denied. If you need help completing an initial application, turn to my firm, William R. Long, Attorney at Law. My staff and I will gladly point you in the direction of appropriate services through state programs or medical facilities.

If you live in or near the Shreveport-Bossier City area, have applied for SSD, supplied the required information to the Social Security Administration and have now received a letter of denial, the next step is to contact my firm at 318-562-1440 or through this website. During a free initial consultation, I will examine specifics of the rejection letter and determine how to prepare an appeal.

• Did the denial say you gave insufficient information in your application for SSD benefits? I can advise you on how to fill in the gaps.
• Was the denial based on medical evidence? A review of medical records and additional doctors’ evaluations may be important to complete before appealing your denial. A functional capacity test may support your claim of disability. A vocational expert may be able to provide valuable input regarding job descriptions and how your medical condition conflicts with work requirements.
• Is the denial based on inadequate work history? I can confirm whether there is a way to correct this determination and advise you accordingly.

Once I have helped fill in information gaps and documented your case more fully, my staff and I can help you file an appeal. In many cases, this leads to an administrative hearing attended by an administrative law judge, you, your attorney and possibly one or more witnesses such as a vocational expert, a doctor or a close co-worker or family member. If your appeal is not successful in the administrative hearing, the next step may be to take it before an appeals council. In this setting, a panel of judges will decide whether the previous judge committed an error of reasoning. If your condition has worsened or if you had a significant birthday in the meantime (50 or 55), your case may have more merit at this stage.

Frequently Asked Questions About SSD Appeals

Here are answers to common questions about the Social Security Disability appeals process and what to expect when challenging a denial.

What are the most common reasons for SSD denial?

The Social Security Administration denies claims for several recurring reasons that are often preventable. Examples include:

• Insufficient medical evidence represents the most frequent cause of denial when applicants fail to provide comprehensive documentation of condition severity and impact on daily functioning
• Lack of recent medical treatment, as the SSA expects ongoing care for disabling conditions
• Earning too much or not working long enough to qualify for benefits
• Technical errors in applications, such as missing information or incorrect dates, resulting in automatic denial

Many of these denials can be avoided with careful preparation and thorough documentation from the beginning.

How long do I have to appeal an SSD denial?

You have exactly 60 days from the date you receive your denial letter to file an appeal with the Social Security Administration. This deadline is strictly enforced, and missing it typically means starting the entire application process over from the beginning. The SSA assumes you received your denial letter five days after the date printed on the notice, so the actual deadline may be shorter than 60 days from when you physically receive it.

Given the importance of this timeline, you should contact an attorney immediately upon receiving a denial notice.

What evidence do I need to provide to support my SSD appeal?

Successful appeals require thorough medical documentation that clearly demonstrates your inability to work:

• Updated medical records from all treating physicians
• Recent test results, imaging studies and detailed treatment notes showing ongoing symptoms
• Functional capacity evaluations providing objective evidence of physical or mental restrictions
• Statements from treating doctors explaining how your condition prevents you from working
• Personal statements describing daily limitations and witness testimony from family members or former co-workers

This comprehensive evidence package helps establish the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to maintain employment.

Can I continue to receive SSD benefits while my appeal is pending?

If you were already receiving SSD benefits and they were terminated, you may be eligible for continued payments during your appeal if you request them within 60 days of your termination notice. However, if your initial application was denied, you will not receive benefits while appealing that decision.

For ongoing cases, you must specifically request continuation of benefits, and you may be required to repay them if your appeal is ultimately unsuccessful.

Contact My Firm After A Social Security Disability Claim Has Been Denied

In a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with an experienced SSD lawyer, you can get a good idea about opportunities for appealing your case further. Call my law office at 318-562-1440 or complete an online contact form for a prompt response.