Our Firm Represents

Disabled people in Knoxville and East Tennessee

Steps to Take if You’ve Had Your SSDI Benefits Denied

Published on April 30th, 2021

If you have applied for SSDI benefits in Maryville, and have had your claim denied, you may be wondering what options are available to you. The first thing to know is that you should remain positive as you take the necessary steps to file an appeal. You have an exceptionally good chance of receiving the disability benefits you are entitled to if you follow these suggestions.

Claim Social Security Disability

Why Was Your Claim Denied?

The first thing to do is to make sure you fully understand the reason(s) your claim was denied. Understanding these reasons will greatly increase your chances of a successful appeal. However, simply understanding the issues is not enough. You must also correct the problems and/or provide the additional information required by the SSA.

There are multiple possibilities as to why a claim is denied. Reasons include:

  • Lack of Medical Records or Evidence
  • Not Meeting the Income Limitations
  • Failing to Follow Your Designated Treatment Plan
  • Refiling Your Disability Claim
  • Being Uncooperative

Because it can be both confusing and frustrating to try to figure out the reason(s) behind the SSA’s denial, we recommend reaching out to an dedicated Social Security law firm in Maryville. An experienced and knowledgeable disability attorney will be able to help you proceed smoothly through the appeals process. In fact, statistics show that claimants who enlist the help of a legal professional – at some point in the claims process – are almost twice as likely to have their claims approved as those who choose to go it alone.

Never Reapply – Always Appeal

Around 70% of those who apply for Social Security disability benefits have their initial claim denied. While you may find this statistic discouraging, it is important to realize you have a particularly good chance of success when you work with a knowledgeable attorney to file an appeal. This is not to be confused with reapplying for benefits. This is a major mistake, as it is very unlikely that a secondary claim based on the same information would be approved. Your best chance to achieve the outcome you desire is to file an appeal.

What Should I Expect During the Appeals Process?

Filing a request for reconsideration is the first step in the appeals process. You must make this request in writing within 60 days of the initial denial. This is basically the process of turning in the same paperwork a second time for consideration by a different SSA representative. However, you can also provide additional medical evidence at this time by filling out Reconsideration Form SSA-3441.

Submitting Your Appeal with the Help of an Experienced Lawyer

Working with an experienced SSDI lawyer in Maryville can make an enormous difference when it comes to submitting your appeal. Attorneys who work exclusively with disability claims cases know the best way to present the facts in regard to your disability, which can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.

This is the time to gather any additional medical evidence as well as ask your doctor to fill out a Residual Function Capacity (RFC) form. This will provide additional support by describing the symptoms caused by your condition, demonstrating your inability to perform work, and further detail the impact all of this is having on your life.

Preparing for Your Disability Hearing

While some appeals are approved during the reconsideration process, more often than not, your case will go before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for a hearing. This is the person who will adjudicate your claim. In other words, he or she will decide if you have provided enough evidence to prove you are unable to work and are, therefore, entitled to receive Social Security Disability benefits.

A medical expert is often present at these hearings to advise the judge about the medical matters in regard to your claim. They will likely ask you questions about your condition and the symptoms you are experiencing..

The best way to prepare for your SSA hearing is to consult with a SSDI attorney with extensive knowledge of disability law. He or she will help you gather all the necessary documentation as well as make sure you are prepared to answer the usual questions posed at these hearings.

Reach Out to A Social Security Attorney Near Maryville

Our legal team at Kenneth Miller & Associates focuses exclusively on disability law, and we have the experience to successfully appeal your denial of benefits. Reach out to us for a free case evaluation today. We are here to help you claim the disability benefits you are entitled to.

Back to News

You all did a great job. Thanks for being a blessing to me and my family. Keep up the good work.

~ Nakeesha C.

Thank you for being there for me! You helped me with things on my case that I didn’t even know about. You were in the office whenever I needed somebody to talk to. You were the best lawyers that I have ever had.

~ Stephanie H.
Contact Us
Law Offices

First Horizon Plaza
800 South Gay Street, Suite 2210
Knoxville, TN 37929

<
Call Us

Toll Free: (800) 290-9272
Knoxville: (865) 637-0515
Fax: (865) 637-1967

Please contact us today for a free consultation

DISCLAIMER: This web page is a resource containing general information which is intended, but not guaranteed, to be correct and current. Information on this page does not constitute legal advice. Visitors should consult an attorney to address legal concerns. You should not consider web page information, or e-mail from us, to be an agreement for an attorney-client relationship. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information or services on linked pages. We are not engaged in your representation until you sign a contract with us.