Why Was My Social Security Disability Claim Denied?

If your initial Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim has been denied, there is no need to panic. Most people do not realize that a majority of applications are initially turned down. You still have a chance to obtain the benefits you need, but it is time to consult with a lawyer.

At the Law Office of Ellene Welsh, we aggressively pursue appeals for clients whose initial Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income claims have been denied. Attorney Ellene Welsh has been practicing law since 1988. She understands the appeals process and knows the people who work in the Social Security Administration. Call us at 770-489-3456 to schedule a free initial consultation. From our office in Douglasville, we serve clients throughout West Georgia

Reasons Why SSD Claims are Denied

When an illness or injury keeps you from reliably earning the income you need, Social Security Disability benefits (SSD) may be the lifeline you need to make ends meet. SSD benefits are essential for more than ten million Americans and may be necessary for you as well. Despite how much someone may need these benefits, many applications end with a denial. To help you improve your chances of gaining the benefits you need, here are a few common reasons the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies SSD applications:

Incomplete paperwork

The paperwork that you need to fill out for the application can be complicated and lengthy. When you are hurt or sick, it can be even harder to complete on your own. Even missing a single step in the application can eliminate your chances of earning the benefits you need.

Not enough medical evidence

It is not enough for you to feel like you deserve SSD benefits; you will also need medical support to back up your claim. Adding strong medical evidence that details the gravity of your disability may make the difference in whether you get the SSD benefits you are applying for.

You earn too much already

SSD benefits are meant for those who need the income to survive, not those who are already able to take care of themselves. If your income exceeds the SSA’s limit for SSD benefits, they will deny your application even if you would otherwise qualify for the benefit.

Not following doctor’s orders

The treatment orders your doctor gives you for your ailment are meant to improve your condition. If you are not following these directions, the SSA may take it as though you are trying to worsen your condition to abuse the system to earn benefits and deny your application as a result.

Not getting a lawyer’s help

The guidance an experienced attorney can offer you in your application for SSD benefits can help you avoid critical mistakes that would otherwise delay when you earn your benefits or keep you from earning them entirely. If you are trying to secure the disability benefits you need, consult with an attorney to learn about what you can do to protect your best interests.

Taking action after a denied Social Security claim

For many Georgia residents injured on the job, receiving government benefits is crucial for paying medical bills, making mortgage payments and covering everyday expenses. Filing a Social Security claim requires meeting a variety of deadlines and supplying specific, detailed information. At the Law Office of Ellene Welsh, we assist clients filing an appeal as a result of denied claims.

When your claim is denied, you typically have 60 days to file an appeal. As your attorney, Ellene Welsh will file a Request for Reconsideration. If that is also denied, she will request and represent you at a hearing. Our firm will work diligently to ease your stress by:

Gathering the appropriate information
Writing insightful briefs for your case
Presenting your arguments persuasively
Preparing you for any hearings

At this point, your job is to concentrate on your medical treatment; let us handle the appeals process.

Depending on your situation, there are different options available during the appeals process:

1. You can file a request for reconsideration if SSA denied your claim for medical reasons or due to a non-medical determination. This is a complete review of your application by an individual not involved in the original decision. You can submit additional evidence missing from the first claim at this time.

2. You may request a hearing by an administrative law judge if you disagree with the results of the reconsideration. For denials that result from a medical determination, the hearing generally takes place within 75 miles of your home. If it is a non-medical determination, you can request an online hearing.

3. Requests for review by the Appeals Council can occur if the court upholds the denial and you disagree. It considers whether the hearing decision supports Social Security regulations and laws. The council may render a decision on your case or refer it to an administrative judge for additional review.

4. Filing a civil suit in federal district court may be an option if the Appeals Council declines your review request or rules against you.

At each level, there are requirements and potentially additional information you must provide. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex Social Security system and work for a successful outcome.

Gathering Important Medical Evidence Electronically

To obtain benefits, you need to prove your physical or mental disability. When you retain our services, we will distribute questionnaires to various doctors. Since all Social Security files are now electronic, when we receive medical evidence, we scan it into electronic files using barcodes obtained from a field office, state disability adjudicator or hearing office. Because accuracy is critical when dealing with medical evidence, and the process of acquiring the necessary information is complex, this is not something to attempt on your own.

Serving Clients Across the State of Georgia

Although a denied disability claim can be disheartening, it is not the end of the road. Our firm can help walk you through the appeals process and will be by your side each step of the way. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.

We pursue Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney fees until we secure financial assistance for you.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

SERVICES

Social Security Disability Insurance

Supplemental Security Income

Workers Compensation

Hear From Our Clients

The Law Office of Ellene Welsh Testimonials

Law Office of Ellene Welsh

4.7

Based on 54 reviews

review us on

Avedis Smith

20:02 27 Jul 23

When I first got my review denial letter from SSA and had to appeal I was crushed...I contacted several lawyers and no one wanted to take my case. I contacted Ellene Welsh law firm and spoke with Annette and told her about my situation(she spoke with Attorney Welsh) they agreed and took my case. Let me tell you, they are so thorough...they took the time to explain everything to me each step of the way and obtained all medical records, worked endlessly with my SSA hearing officer, and help ease my anxiety. I'm happy to write after a long battle I received a fully favorable decision with no hearing!! If you need a office that will work tirelessly for you then look no further...Thankyou so much to Attorney Welsh and Annette...

Donl Atkins

21:47 02 Jan 23

Mrs Welsh and her staff were so helpful. They kept me informed every step of the way and I received a better decision than I expected.Would hire them again if needed.

Reign Supreme

17:19 02 Nov 22

Friendly, professional and attentive. I was made to feel comfortable asking questions.

Debra A Brittian-Thomas

23:16 19 Oct 22

Kimberly Hanback

17:04 05 Oct 22

I had tried to get my disability first with a different lawyer and was turned down. When I called thier office to ask about an appeal they said they couldn't help me and was very rude and hung up on me. Found another lawyer who did my appeal was turned down. I called Ellene Welsh and her and her staff were very nice and helpful. Of course it was during the pandemic so we had to do things differently but she helped me and I won my case. Anytime I had a question they were very helpful and nice. If I could just say if you need a great lawyer with a great staff call her. They will fight for you. Love them.

kyle croft

20:29 11 Jul 22

After being denied by SSD , I called the Law offices of Ellen Welsh and she got my disability claim approved. Her employees were professional and easy to work with. They took care of everything. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone needing help with their SSD CLAIM

Kris Arhart

17:46 02 Feb 22

Ms. Ellene Welsh Came recommended from another attorney. The whole process with her office was as smooth as it can be. If you have never had to use a attorney before let me explain something I learned. Every great attorney has a amazing Paralegal / assistant or more behind them. Ms. Welsh team made contact As easy as I can get. Whether it be by phone or email. Thank Ms. Welsh and your amazing office for all the hard work yall did to make this process as easy as possible.

Pam Scheib

02:49 01 Feb 17

I became a client of Ellene's 3 years ago. When I first met Ellene she took a great deal of time to go over my denied paperwork from Social Security. She explained it was not a quick process and we would be looking at least another year to eighteen months before a hearing. She explained every step! When I had questions Becky and other office staff were always there to walk me through my questions and ease my mind and at times frustrations. Never along this journey did I feel ignored or abandoned. Ellene's staff got all my records together for my hearing and thanks to their hard work we got an immediate decision. It is very rare, I knew it was a good case going in, but Ellene made sure every "I" was dotted and every "T" was crossed. She was excellent in front of the judge and knows what she is doing. It was her 20 plus years experience that makes her so good! I can't thank Ellene and her staff enough for all their time, hard work and dedication in helping me with my case. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney.