What Are the Steps to Requesting Disability Reconsideration?
After you receive your denial letter, study the letter for signs of why you were denied. Sometimes Social Security will explain it. Sometimes you need to dig deeper to identify what prompted their rejection and how to improve your claim.
Pay close attention to the deadline, and don’t miss the 60-day window to act. If you miss it, you may have to start over with a new application, unless Social Security accepts a reason for the late appeal.
A disability reconsideration appeal usually includes these steps:
1. Review the denial notice.
Your denial notice could include information on why Social Security denied your claim. Understanding why is important because your appeal should respond to those reasons. You also need to look closely at everything in your Social Security file to find opportunities to strengthen your case.
2. File the reconsideration request.
You must notify Social Security that you disagree with their decision and want to request another review. This reconsideration request keeps your case active.
3. Update your medical information.
If you have had additional doctor visits, tests, treatments, medication changes, hospitalizations or new symptoms since your last filing, that information may strengthen your case.
4. Explain your limitations more clearly.
Social Security needs a full picture of what you can and cannot do. This includes basic, everyday functions like sitting, standing, walking, lifting, concentrating, remembering, interacting with others, staying focused, and maintaining a regular work schedule.
5. Keep treating with your doctors.
Ongoing medical evidence is one of the most important parts of a disability claim. Gaps in your treatment can cause Social Security to question how serious your condition is and how much you need help with it.
6. Get legal help before the claim moves further.
Most reconsideration appeals are still denied. But this stage matters because it builds the record for the next level of appeal. A lawyer can help you make sure your appeal is properly focused on the evidence Social Security is looking for.
At Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor, you work directly with your disability attorney throughout your case.
You won’t be dealing only with staff members, and you’ll get the same lawyer for each step. This is to ensure that we get to know you, and you don’t have to keep explaining your situation over again.
How Can a Lawyer Strengthen Your Disability Reconsideration Appeal?
In many cases, a Social Security Disability denial means Social Security did not have enough information to approve your claim, or your information wasn’t presented in the right way.
Claims can be denied because:
- Social Security did not have enough medical evidence.
- Medical records do not clearly explain work limitations.
- Gaps in treatment made the condition look less serious.
- Social Security believed you could still work in some capacity.
- You have incomplete information about the demands of your past jobs.
- Your symptoms were not connected clearly enough to your ability to work.
- Social Security needed more information about your daily functional limitations.
- You were still working too much to qualify.
- Social Security found errors or incomplete information in your file.
- Social Security made a mistake, failing to properly apply your evidence to the rules for benefits.
You fully understand how much your condition affects you, but Social Security does not decide based only on how you feel.
They look at medical evidence, work history, daily activities and whether you are capable of maintaining work.
A disability lawyer knows how to review your denial notice in fine detail, identify weaknesses in your claim and help you build a stronger reconsideration appeal.
That may include helping you explain your symptoms more effectively, reviewing your work history, communicating more clearly with Social Security, and preparing your case for the next level of appeal if needed.
Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor Oregon disability lawyers take the time to listen to you and understand your needs and limitations.
We know what it’s like when major health problems affect you and your family. Members of our team have been through these challenges personally.
You deserve personal attention for your case, someone with both knowledge and compassion for what you are going through.
Don’t assume one denial is the end of the entire legal process. For most people, they win disability benefits when they appeal.
A reconsideration appeal can protect your claim and your chance at greater financial stability when you’re facing serious health problems.
We’re with You Every Step of the Way
Whether you’re trying to determine if you’re qualified for disability benefits, you need help filing your application, or you received a denial notice and want another chance, our law firm helps from the beginning and stays by your side.
Have a Question about Disability Benefits?
Your health is bad. You can’t work. Your financial stability is threatened. So your head is swimming with questions. How will you get by? How does Social Security Disability work? We’ve gathered answers. See them here:
Disability FAQs »
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