Best Tips When Appealing Your Denied Disability Claim
Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits serve as an important safety net for U.S. workers who become disabled before retirement age. Unfortunately, most claims for Social Security disability benefits are initially denied. In other words, when you file for SSDI benefits, you should be prepared to have to work your way through the process. That means:
If your claim is still denied after reconsideration, request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ), which will offer you the opportunity to share additional information and present witnesses
If your claim is denied after the ALJ hearing, request a review of the hearing decision–however, the Appeals Council gets to decide whether or not to review your case
If your claim is denied by the Appeals Council or they opt not to consider your case, file a lawsuit in federal court
Of course, each stage means additional time. So, you’ll want to make sure that you set yourself up for the greatest chance of success at every stage. Ideally, that means working with an experienced disability benefits advocate to put together your original claim or to help with whatever stage of the appeals process you’re undertaking.
Increasing Your Chances of Winning in the Appeals Process After You’ve Been Denied
The very first step toward successfully appealing your SSDI denial is understanding the reason for your denial. Carefully review your denial letter, and consider contacting your local Social Security Administration (SSA) for more information or getting help from an experienced advocate.
It’s also very important that you meet the deadline for requesting reconsideration or appealing the decision. If you miss the deadline, you can reapply, but you will set your claim back by several months and may lose out on some benefits if you have to start over.
Regardless of whether you are submitting a request for reconsideration or appearing before an ALJ, you’ll want to supplement the record in any way you can. That may mean updated medical records, the results of testing you’ve undergone since you submitted your application, witnesses who observe your daily life, or other evidence that helps show you are disabled.
An Experienced Disability Benefits Advocate Can Help With Your Denied Claim
Perhaps the most important tip is to get the help you need. Part of increasing your chances of success in the SSDI appeals process is understanding what the SSA is looking for and how best to present that evidence. Our disability benefits advocates have extensive experience with Social Security disability claims and appeals and can help you put forth the strongest case possible.
To learn more about how we can help, call 800-800-3332 or contact us here for a FREE consultation.
Adam Neidenberg is a SSD Expert that has represented thousands of Social Security disability claimants. Mr. Neidenberg is co-founder of Disability Help Group, exclusively representing Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability claims.
Work with a disability expert
Mr. Neidenberg and Disability Help Group guide you through the disability process. They can help at any stage of the application process. Specifically, you can receive help with:
Filing all paperwork
Finding/collecting medical records
Assistance with applications, questionnaires and appeals
Frequent case follow up
Filing for disability
Social Security and Veteran’s Administration have specific definitions of disability. Mr. Neidenberg and Disability Help Group Advocates know the process. They help you understand these definitions. Mr. Neidenberg and Disability help Group assist you in getting the right evidence to support your claim. They assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Mr. Neidenberg and Disability Help Group know what it takes to get a case approved.
Winning case study 1
For example, Joanna applied for disability benefits. She was unable to work due to severe anxiety and depression. She also had chronic back pain. Unfortunately, Joanna only saw her primary care doctor. Social Security denied her claim. Joanna turned to Disability Help Group for help with her appeal. Joanna’s advocate recommended she see a psychiatrist for her depression and anxiety. Her advocate also advised her to see a specialist for her back. Joanna began treatment with specialists. Her new medical evidence showed that Joanna’s symptoms severely interfered with her daily activities. Social Security approved her claim.
Disabled Veterans
Frequently, veterans apply for both VA and Social Security benefits. However, VA and Social Security benefits have different requirements. Mr. Neidenberg and Disability Help Group have helped with many cases. They understand the complicated processes for both claims. Mr. Neidenberg and Disability Help Group provide guidance through the application process to maximize your benefits.
Winning case study 2
For example, a veteran applied for disability benefits for PTSD. During his Social Security disability hearing, he testified that he witnessed a young girl get hit by a vehicle while on patrol during his service. He testified t hat since his service, he started blacking out and became violent. The veteran’s advocate presented medical evidence documenting his symptoms. The judge’s decision included a summary of his testimony. His advocate was able to submit his decision to the VA. This helped establish that his PTSD was connected to his service. The VA increased the veteran’s disability rating.
Experienced hearing advocate
Often, SSD cases require a hearing. Working with Mr. Neidenberg and Disability Help Group gives you a valuable advantage at the hearing levels. Mr. Neidenberg and Disability Help Group advocates have a lot of experience appearing at hearings. They know the judges. They walk you through the hearing process. Therefore, you will be prepared for your hearing.
Winning case study 3
To illustrate, Jose, 57, filed for disability benefits after injuring his back. He previously worked as an armed security guard. Social Security denied his claim. They felt he could return to his past work as a security guard. Jose turned to Disability Help Group for assistance. Jose’s advocate reviewed his work history. Jose’s advocate helped him explain his job to the judge in more detail. Since Jose’s job was classified properly, the judge was able to approve his case.
Knowing the disability rules
Mr. Neidenberg and Disability Help Group present your case to give you the best chance of winning. Social Security has special rules for people over the age of 50. These rules are known as “Grid Rules.” Mr. Neidenberg and Disability Help Group understand these rules. They can tell you if these rules apply in your case.
Winning case study 4
Moreover, Edward applied for disability benefits because he had arthritis in his knees. He was 62 years old and worked as a painter for many years. Edward turned to Disability Help Group for help with his application. His advocate advised Edward that he needed x-rays and imaging of his knees, get a prescription for the cane he used. At hearing, Edward’s advocate pointed this evidence out to the judge. The advocate also pointed out that rule that would allow the judge to approve Edward’s case. The judge agreed and Edward’s case was approved.
Winning case study 5
Lastly, Carmen, 51, applied for disability due to coronary artery disease, depression and anxiety. She previously worked as an office manager and dental assistant, stopped working due to frequent shortness of breath and low energy, had trouble concentrating and remembering things. Carmen enlisted Disability Help Group to help her with her claim. Carmen’s advocate pointed out medical evidence at hearing that showed she could no longer perform complex tasks. She also pointed out evidence that showed Carmen had trouble standing and walking for long periods. Since the judge found Carmen couldn’t do her past work, he approved her case.
Getting help with your disability claim
Mr. Neidenberg and Disability Help Group can help you at any stage in the disability process. Disability Help Group answers all your questions. If you’ve been denied, Disability Help Group will help file your appeal. Get the help you need now.
Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your SSDI and VA disability claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Adam Neidenberg is co-founder of Disability Help Group. He has been litigating claims since graduating law school in 1996. Once he became an experienced trial attorney, he began focusing on representing disabled individuals. Mr. Neidenberg has represents thousands of disability claimants and provides training to Disability Help Group advocates by teaching them how to assess legal issues, present evidence in cases, and cross examining experts.
Adam Neidenberg is an Expert Disability Advocate
Adam Neidenberg has achieved much in life and feels a sense of pride in his ability to help disabled people receive the disability benefits they deserver. Some of Mr. Neidenberg’s educational and professional accomplishments include:
Firstly, University of Florida, Undergraduate Degree, 1993.
Secondly, Hofstra University, Juris Doctor, 1996.
Thirdly, Florida Bar Association
Fourthly, 11th Circuit Federal District Court
Moreover, United States Court of Veterans Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Finally, Department of Veterans Affairs Accredited Attorney.
Getting the Help You Deserve
Mr. Neidenberg provides specialized services in disability law. Disability Help Group’s experienced advocates can help you with your Social Security disability or Veteran’s disability claims. We can help you understand which are the most advantageous disability rules for your claim. Mr. Neidenberg and Disability Help Group help you build the strongest case possible.
The Application Process
Mr. Neidenberg and his dedicated team help you file your disability claim. We focus on making sure your disability application is accurate and complete. Complete applications give you a better chance of winning your case at the earlier stages of the disability process.
Understanding the Disability Process
Mr. Neidenberg and his team make sure you are in good hands during the Social Security disability process.
Firstly, provide an educated staff to answer your questions
Secondly, check on the status of your case regularly
Thirdly, ensure Social Security processes your case correctly
Fourthly, make sure documentation is submitted timely
Adam Neidenberg is an Experienced Hearing Advocate
Adam Neidenberg and Disability Help Group prepares you for you for your disability hearing. Your advocate fully reviews your file. We obtain any missing medical evidence you need and will discuss with you the questions the judge will ask you. In addition the the administrative judge, there may be a vocational and/or medical expert that may be involved in your hearing.
Adam Neidenberg and Disability Help Group know what it takes to win your case.
Case Study 1: Adam Neidenberg Disability Help Group
Donald had a car accident and hit his head losing consciousness. Following his accident, Donald started having frequent headaches. He also had problems with his balance, memory, and concentration. As a result, he became irritable easily. After applying for disability, Social Security denied Donald’s case twice. Donald hired Adam Neidenberg as his disability advocate. When we reviewed the file, it was clear that his doctor did not provide the necessary descriptions of Donald’s symptoms. Therefore, it was necessary to resolve the issues with the medical evidence. Once the issues were resolved, Donald had a hearing in front of an administrative law judge who found that Donald missed work frequently and determined that Donald met the Social Security disability rules and his case was approved.
Case Study 2: Adam Neidenberg Disability Help Group
Anne injured her neck in a car accident. She required cervical spinal fusion surgery, however, surgery did not help improve her symptoms. Likewise, she developed numbness and tingling in her arms., causing her problems using her hands. Disability Help Group made sure that Social Security received all of Anne’s records. Anne’s advocate suggested certain tests that could help her case, also provided additional forms for Anne’s doctor to complete. Ultimately, Social Security found that Anne was unable to work and approved her case.
Working with a Disability Expert
The Social Security Disability process and rules can seem very confusing. For example, there several states in the process, an initial application, reconsideration, hearing, appeals council, and federal appeals. In addition, within each stage in the process there are has various forms that need to be completed and distinct rules that need to be followed. It is important that you hire an expert that understands how to apply the rules to your case that will benefit you. For example, Social Security has rule that makes it easier for people over the age of 50 to win their case.
Case Study 3: Adam Neidenberg Disability Help Group
Janet, a 51 year old woman, applied for disability based on coronary artery disease, depression and anxiety. She previously worked as a medical assistant. She was unable to continue working because she suffered from frequent chest pain and swelling in her legs. Due to her depression and anxiety symptoms, she had trouble concentrating and remembering things. After being denied for disability by Social Security, Janet hired Disability Help Group. Thereafter reviewing her file, we found that Janet did not provide Social Security with her psychiatrist’s information. Her advocate requested her psychiatrist’s records and with the addition of these records, the judge found that Janet could not stand for long periods of time. She also could not perform complex tasks. Therefore, she could not return to work as a medical assistant. Since Janet was over the age of 50, the judge was able to approve her case.
Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your SSDI and VA disability claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
