SSD Appeals Process in Iowa

Attorney Hugh Field Helps With Applying for Disability in 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.

How Much Time Do You Have to Appeal a Social Security Disability Denial?

You have 60 days after you receive the notice of the decision on your claim to ask for any type of appeal. The letter contains guidance on what level of appeal you should select. There are four levels of appeal:

• Reconsideration. This includes a complete re-evaluation of your claim
• If a reconsideration of your claim is denied, a hearing by an administrative law judge (ALJ) will take place. The judge will look over your case again. ALJs usually grant 50% of the appeals that come to them.
• If your claim is still not accepted, it is sent to be reviewed by the Appeals Council. Usually, most claims are accepted if there were procedure issues.
• If your claim was not approved by the Appeals Council, it is sent to the Federal Court for review. For the court hearing regarding your claim you will need an attorney representative.

Beecher, Field, Walker, Morris, Hoffman & Johnson are here to help you throughout all the levels of the appeal process. Call us today to talk to an experienced SSD attorney who is more than happy to look over your case!

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.