Receiving a denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be devastating, especially when a serious medical condition prevents you from working and earning a living. Many people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) have already spent months gathering medical records, attending examinations, and waiting for a decision. When their applications are denied, they may assume they are not eligible for benefits or that appealing would be pointless. However, an initial denial does not necessarily mean that the applicant fails to meet Social Security’s disability requirements. Many claims require additional medical documentation, a closer examination of employment limitations, or further review through the federal appeals process. At Harold W. Conick & Associates, I help individuals throughout Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and the greater Midwest challenge denied SSDI claims and pursue the disability benefits they may be entitled to receive.
The Social Security Administration evaluates disability claims under federal law. To qualify for SSDI, applicants generally must establish that a medically determinable physical or mental impairment prevents substantial gainful activity and has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 continuous months or result in death.
Claims may be denied because medical evidence does not adequately establish functional limitations, work history requirements have not been satisfied, or Social Security determines that the applicant can still perform certain jobs.
I examine the denial notice, medical records, employment history, and Social Security’s reasoning to identify weaknesses in the original application. Understanding exactly why the claim was denied allows me to develop an appeal addressing the specific issues raised by the agency.
After receiving an initial denial, applicants generally have 60 days from receiving the notice to request reconsideration under 20 CFR § 404.909. Social Security ordinarily presumes that the notice was received five days after its date unless evidence establishes otherwise.
Missing the deadline may cause the initial decision to become binding, although extensions may be available for good cause.
I help clients prepare timely appeals, review the information submitted with their original applications, and identify additional evidence needed to support their claims. Filing an appeal instead of immediately submitting another application often helps preserve the original filing date and potential entitlement to past-due benefits.
Medical documentation is central to an SSDI appeal. A diagnosis alone does not necessarily establish disability because Social Security also evaluates how the condition affects the person’s ability to perform work-related activities.
Under 20 CFR § 404.1520, Social Security applies a five-step evaluation process that considers employment activity, impairment severity, listed medical conditions, past relevant work, and the ability to perform other work.
I review treatment records, diagnostic findings, physician statements, and evidence concerning physical or mental limitations. When necessary, I help identify missing records or additional medical information that may clarify why a client cannot sustain full-time employment.
The goal is to connect the medical evidence to the specific functional restrictions Social Security must evaluate.
If reconsideration is denied, applicants generally may request a hearing before an administrative law judge under 20 CFR § 404.933. These hearings provide an opportunity to explain how medical conditions interfere with daily activities and employment. The judge may also question vocational or medical professionals concerning the applicant’s limitations and ability to work.
I prepare clients for the questions they may face, review the evidence submitted to the judge, and develop arguments addressing disputed medical and vocational issues. I also examine whether hypothetical questions presented to vocational witnesses accurately reflect the client’s supported limitations.
An unfavorable administrative law judge decision does not necessarily end the claim. Under 20 CFR §§ 404.967 and 404.968, applicants may request Appeals Council review, generally within 60 days after receiving the hearing decision.
The Appeals Council may deny review, issue a decision, or return the matter for further proceedings. If administrative remedies have been exhausted, judicial review may be available under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
I examine whether the decision contains errors involving medical evidence, vocational findings, or the application of Social Security regulations. When appropriate, I help clients pursue further review through the available legal procedures.
Disability appeals involve strict deadlines, complicated medical records, and federal regulations governing eligibility. A successful appeal requires more than explaining that an applicant has a serious illness or injury. The evidence must establish how the condition prevents employment under Social Security’s legal standards.
I work directly with clients to identify the issues affecting their claims, develop appropriate legal arguments, and prepare for administrative proceedings. My focus is on presenting a well-supported case that accurately reflects the client’s medical limitations and employment circumstances.
Yes. An attorney can review the denial notice, identify the reasons Social Security rejected the application, and determine which evidence may strengthen an appeal. Denials frequently involve insufficient medical documentation, disputed work limitations, or findings that an applicant can perform other employment.
I examine the original application, relevant medical records, and Social Security’s conclusions before developing an appeal strategy. Depending on the circumstances, additional physician records, functional assessments, and employment information may help address the agency’s concerns. Legal representation can also help ensure that the proper appeal procedures and deadlines are followed.
Under 20 CFR § 404.909, applicants generally must request reconsideration within 60 days after receiving an initial denial notice. Social Security ordinarily assumes the notice was received five days after its date unless the applicant establishes otherwise.
Similar 60-day deadlines generally apply to later administrative appeal stages. Missing a deadline can jeopardize the opportunity for further review, although extensions may be granted for good cause.
I recommend seeking legal guidance as soon as a denial arrives. Early review provides more time to evaluate the decision, gather necessary evidence, and submit the appeal properly.
If reconsideration is unsuccessful, the next step is generally requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge. Under 20 CFR § 404.933, applicants ordinarily must request that hearing within 60 days after receiving the reconsideration determination.
At the hearing, the judge reviews the evidence and may question the applicant about medical symptoms, daily activities, treatment, and employment limitations. Vocational witnesses may also provide testimony.
I prepare clients for the hearing, review the administrative record, and present arguments addressing the reasons for the previous denial. The hearing provides an important opportunity to challenge Social Security’s conclusions.
A Social Security Disability Insurance denial can threaten your financial stability when a serious medical condition prevents you from working. However, receiving an unfavorable decision does not necessarily mean that you have exhausted your legal options. The appeals process provides opportunities to challenge Social Security’s findings, submit additional medical evidence, and seek further review.
At Harold W. Conick & Associates, I represent individuals who have been denied SSDI benefits and need assistance pursuing reconsideration, administrative hearings, Appeals Council review, and other available legal remedies. I examine the reasons for denial, evaluate medical and vocational evidence, and work to develop a claim that addresses Social Security’s disability requirements.
Contact our Chicago Social Security disability attorney at Harold W. Conick & Associates by calling (800) 608-8881 to receive your free case evaluation. I can review your disability denial, explain your appeal options, and discuss how I may be able to help you fight for the benefits you need and may be legally entitled to receive.
