When you are confident that you have a valid claim for Social Security disability benefits, it can be heartbreaking to get a letter in the mail telling you that your claim was denied. According to Benefits.gov, Social Security pays these benefits if you have worked long enough and have a condition that prevents you from working.
You may be confused and overwhelmed after a denial, especially if you were relying on those benefits to help support your family.
It is not over, though. You do not have to give up. The Social Security Administration (SSA) often denies claims because the claimant failed to provide proper evidence proving that they have a disability. Many people who receive disability benefits today began their journey with a denial letter in their hands. They simply chose to appeal the decision, and a Los Angeles physical disability lawyer can help you with just that.
The compassionate team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has worked on many cases like yours, and we are proud of our results. We can examine the details of your case and help you understand whether your claim is valid. We can also explain what your next steps would be if you decided to move forward with an appeal.
For a free case review, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444.
Categories for Physical Disabilities
The SSA has categorized qualifying impairments into 14 different categories with examples of valid disorders and requirements for the evidence to prove that disorder. The 14 categories are:
- Musculoskeletal system
- Special senses and speech (blindness and hearing loss)
- Respiratory disorders
- Cardiovascular system
- Digestive system
- Genitourinary disorders
- Hematological disorders
- Skin disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
- Mental disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Cancer
- Immune system disorders
Reasons Your Claim May Have Been Denied
There are a variety of reasons why people have their claims denied. Some of the more common reasons include:
Lack of Medical Evidence
You must provide proof that you have been evaluated, examined, or treated for your impairment, according to the SSA. They want to see copies of records from clinics you have visited or hospitals where you received treatment. Once the reviewer has confirmed that you have a qualifying condition, they also will want to confirm the severity of your condition. The evidence you provide needs to be detailed enough for the reviewer to confirm the nature and severity of your disorder, how long you have had it, and whether you are able to do any kind of work.
You Are Still Employable
When the reviewer is evaluating your disorder, they will evaluate whether you can still do your job or any job. Even if you cannot do the job you did before you acquired the physical disability, you still may be able to do another type of work. They will examine your education, transferable skills, age, and past work experience to assess whether you are still employable. If you are, your claim likely will be denied.
You Earn Too Much Money
SSA disability benefits are intended for those who make little to no income because of their physical disability or disorder. According to the SSA, as of 2020, if you are earning more than $1,260 per month, you do not qualify for disability benefits.
These are just three of many reasons why your claim for disability benefits may have been denied. A Los Angeles physical disabilities lawyer can evaluate your case, explain the reason for your denial, and help you understand what your options are for appealing the decisions. For a free case review, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
For a free legal consultation with a Physical Disabilities Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Understanding the Appeals Process
There are four levels in the appeals process. If you provide adequate evidence on your first appeal, you may never need to appeal to higher levels. However, they are there as an available option if necessary.
Reconsideration
The first level in the appeals process is reconsideration. At this stage, someone who was not involved in the initial review of your claim will review your case. They will look at the evidence that you submitted that led to the initial denial, as well as any new evidence and documentation that you provide.
Hearing
If you were denied benefits after reconsideration, you have the option to request a hearing. At a hearing, you, and possibly a representative you bring with you, will go before an administrative law judge to explain your case. The judge will ask you questions and give you the opportunity to bring witnesses like your physicians or medical experts who can testify to your disability and the outcome of treatments. You or your representative will also have the opportunity to question these witnesses.
Appeals Council
The next stage, if an administrative law judge denies your claim, is to ask for a review by the Appeals Council. If they review your claim, you will receive a letter with the results of their decision. They may also decide to send your case back to an administrative law judge for further review.
Federal Court
The last level in the appeals process is to file a lawsuit in a federal district court. In the letter you receive about the Appeals Council’s decision, you will receive information about how to pursue this route of action.
Los Angeles Physical Disabilities Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
How a Los Angeles Physical Impairment Lawyer Can Help
We understand how complex these processes can be and how overwhelming it can be to think about going through this alone. But you do not have to. The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you gather all the necessary information to ensure your appeal has all the required documentation. We can also represent you at a hearing if we appeal to that level.
For a free review of your case and to find out what your options are for appealing your denial, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444.
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