Appealing a Denial of Social Security Disability Benefits

Serving Clients in the Cities of Waterloo, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, & Northeast Iowa

If you are facing a debilitating illness or injury, receiving a denial of disability benefits from the Social Security Administration can seem like an insurmountable obstacle that you have neither the experience nor energy to handle. If you recently received a denial, contact an Iowa Social Security disability attorney as quickly as possible to start on your appeal. Be advised that the SSA provides candidates with a limited amount of time within which to raise an appeal. If you miss the deadline, you could lose your rights to a second or third review – which will require you to start the application process from scratch.

Reconsideration Following a Claim Denial

The first step after the initial denial is to apply for a reconsideration. With the help of our team, you will resubmit the materials you submitted in the first instance for review by a group of reviewing agents who did not participate in your evaluation the first time. You may submit additional medical evidence only if such evidence was not available to you at the time of your initial application. At this stage, you may choose whether to work with an Iowa Social Security disability attorney or file for a reconsideration on your own as this level of appeal is usually straightforward and minimally difficult.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Appeal?

Even if you choose to forgo working with an Iowa Social Security disability attorney during the reconsideration phase, it is highly recommended that you work with a lawyer during the administrative hearing stage of the appeals process. If you received a denial after the reconsideration, you may then apply for a hearing before an administrative law judge. The hearing will involve testimony from an occupational or medical expert, as well as witnesses who are familiar with your disability and the way it places limitations on your life. Your attorney will ask you and other witnesses specific questions about your injury or illness. The judge may also ask you questions as well.

Let Us Help

If your administrative hearing resulted in another denial, you may file an appeal with the Special Appeals Council. The Council will review the documents involved in your case to make a determination of disability. If you are unsuccessful, you and your Iowa Social Security disability attorney can make a final appeal by filing a lawsuit in federal District Court.