If your social security disability claim was denied, you are not alone. In fact, according to the Disability Benefits Center, 60 to 70 percent of initial claims are denied each year. Although the social security disability process is complex and time-consuming, you should not stop fighting for your rights after being denied. You still have a chance at having your claim approved!
At Dale E. Anstine, our social security disability attorneys have been asked many times over the years, “what should I do after my social security disability claim has been denied?” Today we are here to answer this common question and provide tips, so you have the best chance of your claim getting approved.
Get a Social Security Disability Lawyer on Your Side
Did you know people filing for disability who are represented by an attorney are three times more likely to have their claim for benefits approved? After being denied social security disability benefits, it is best to get an experienced social security disability lawyer on your side who understands the complexities of this area of law. Your attorney can help you understand your denial letter, accurately file appeal paperwork and ensure the Social Security Administration is provided with the medical evidence to support your claim.
If you were denied social security disability benefits, get a fighter on your side who is not afraid to go to court and fight for your rights to compensation. Contact our team of professional social security disability lawyers to learn how we can help you today!
File a Timely Appeal
After initially being denied social security disability benefits, it is critical you file an appeal within 60 days. However, the sooner you file an appeal, the better. Working with a social security disability attorney to file your timely appeal will ensure you have accurately completed the paperwork and provided evidence to support your case.
After filing an appeal, your case will be reviewed again, but this time by a different disability examiner. It is important to understand that it is common for cases to be denied more than once, so if your case is denied even after filing an appeal, it is important to not give up and instead request a hearing in front of a judge. Again, filing a request for a hearing in front of a judge must be completed within 60 days of your second denial.
Figure Out Why You Were Denied
If your social security disability case is denied after filing an appeal, it is beneficial to try and find out why. Having this information will better prepare you and your attorney to present your case in front of a judge. Some of the most common reasons cases get denied are because of the following:
- Improperly Completed Claim/Appeal Forms
- Lack of Adequate Medical Evidence
- Failure to Attend Consultative Exam
Once you understand why your case was denied initially, you and your attorney can work to correct this information and be ready to present it in court. For example, if your case lacked medical evidence, going to doctors and/or specialists you visited and retrieving copies of your medical records, test results, X-rays, etc. will be critical.
Get in Front of a Judge
A hearing in front of a judge offers an opportunity to have your case heard and can offer higher rates of success. During your day in court, your social security disability lawyer will present your case and supporting evidence. Having an experienced attorney on your side is important when going in front of a judge to have your case heard. Getting an attorney on your side who has presented similar cases and understands the complexities of the law is important to ensure your rights are protected.
We’re Here to Help
Don’t navigate the social security disability claims process alone. Get an experienced social security disability lawyer on your side so you don’t fall through the cracks, miss important information and deadlines, or improperly complete paperwork. Connect with the attorneys at Dale E. Anstine today. Consultations are always FREE, we are available 24/7, and there is no fee unless we win for you!