Are you unable to work because of a disability? Get the answers you need on Social Security Disability to protect your rights

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a defined appeals process. It can be frustrating when you submit a request for appeal and you’re not sure when you’ll hear back from them. The timeline can vary depending on many factors. If the SSA is currently facing a higher than normal volume of appeals, this may delay their response. 

When it comes to the second stage of appeal with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), you can expect several updates. Working with an experienced disability lawyer can help with this process. They can stay in touch with the court and SSA to manage your claim and appeal.

Did SSA Deny Your SSDI Claim?

You’re not alone. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies upwards of 70 percent of disability claims. This is based on the initial assessment. The SSA may decide that the medical condition is not severe enough to stop you from working. Or, it may not think that your medical condition qualifies under its Blue Book definitions.

However, about 45 percent of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are denied for technical or non-medical reasons. That’s about two-thirds of the denials. An experienced attorney can help you appeal a technical SSDI denial. They can put together the strongest case possible and improve your chances of approval. 

How to Appeal Your SSDI Claim Decision

If the SSA denies your original SSDI claim application, you have the right to appeal. There are four levels of appeal. 

1. Reconsideration. Start by requesting SSA to review your initial SSDI application again. They’ll take a look at your claim through a fresh set of eyes. It’s as if you are sending in a brand new application. For this independent review, you can add new evidence you forgot to include the first time around.
2. Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The second step is to file an appeal with an ALJ. This involves a live court hearing. It could be in-person or via phone or video conference. It is considered an official courtroom proceeding with testimony under oath. You and your SSD lawyer will have the chance to present your case before an independent federal judge.
3. Appeals Council. If your appeals for reconsideration and to the ALJ are unsuccessful, you can bring your case to the Appeals Council. You can request a review. They can then deny or dismiss your request, or bring it back to a judge for further review.
4. Federal District Court. This is the fourth and highest level of appeal. You can file a federal district court action with the U.S. District Court. A federal judge will hear your case without a jury. If you don’t already have legal representation, you definitely need an experienced lawyer at this stage.

Examples of Typical Updates and What They Mean

If you want to appeal the SSA’s decision, it is important to act quickly. Generally, you have 60 days after receiving your Social Security Disability denial letter to appeal. This appeal is a formal, written request. The reconsideration stage often takes many months. So, you may not hear from them in a while. Your lawyer can help follow up for updates.

If they deny your request for reconsideration, you then have 60 days to request an ALJ hearing. This starts a new process with a few key stages. An attorney can improve your chances of winning your appeal. 

1. Pending folder assembly. During this stage, the ALJ and your lawyer compile your case file. They collect documents like medical evidence and work history. The information is organized in a folder for the judge to consider.
2. Pending ALJ assignment. The case file is complete. Now, it must be assigned to an ALJ. This could take several months.
3. Ready to schedule. The case has been assigned to an ALJ and is now waiting for a court date.
4. Hearing date. The hearing before an ALJ is scheduled. You and your lawyer appear before the judge to present your case. This could be in person, over the phone, or via video conference.
5. Post-hearing development. If the ALJ did not receive additional evidence at the hearing, the case can be held in this status. Once the evidence is submitted and reviewed, it can move on to the next phase.
6. Post-hearing review. The ALJ is reviewing the evidence to make a decision. You cannot submit any more evidence. 
7. Pending decision writing. It can take about two months before the ALJ begins writing the formal decision on your appeal case. 
8. Decision writing process. The ALJ has made a decision. You should receive a formal written decision by mail within 60 days. 

How a Massachusetts SSD Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the appeals process can be complicated. There can be a lot of paperwork. There can be many steps involved. Technical errors, typos, and missing documents can leave your application hanging for months. 

An experienced SSD attorney can help you avoid some of the common mistakes in an SSDI appeal. By compiling the most complete and most compelling case possible, a lawyer can improve your chances of winning your appeal. They can keep track of updates and guide you through the whole process. 

Call to Book a Free Consultation

Has your Social Security disability claim been denied? We can help. Call our office at 508-283-5500 or toll-free at 888-904-6847. You can also complete our online contact form. During your free consultation, we can assess your case and decide on the best next steps. Let’s make sure your SSDI application is in order for the best chance at approval. Let’s get the benefits and support you need and deserve.

Yes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) -- the government agency that administers the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program – doesn’t limit how many times you can apply for benefits. If the SSA denied your initial claim, there’s nothing stopping you from applying again. However, don’t start filling out a new application just yet. In most cases, it makes more sense to take advantage of the SSA’s four-level appeals process than to start over with a whole new claim. Here’s what you should know about your options after an SSDI denial, including the benefits of an appeal, when to consider submitting another application, and how Keefe Disability Law’s knowledgeable and experienced Boston disability attorneys can guide you through the appropriate process and increase your chances for success.

Understanding the Social Security Disability Appeals Process

If you waited months to find out whether you were approved for SSDI, only to receive a disappointing denial letter, you’re not alone. The SSA denies up to 70 percent of initial claims. Fortunately, you have the right to appeal and have 60 days (from the date you received the denial letter) to inform the SSA of your decision. The Social Security disability appeals process has four levels: 

• Reconsideration, a new evaluation of your claim by disability determination examiners not involved in the previous decision
• Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), if Disability Determination Services (DDS) denies your request for reconsideration or you disagree with their decision, you can request a hearing with an ALJ
• Appeals Council Review, if the ALJ doesn’t rule in your favor, you can ask the Appeals Council to review your claim
• Federal Court Review, if the Appeals Council denies or dismisses your SSDI claim, you can file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court 

Appealing a Denied SSDI Claim Can Have Numerous Benefits

The appeals process can be lengthy and grueling, but there are good reasons for slogging through it. Failing to provide sufficient medical evidence is one of the most common reasons SSDI claims are denied. Thankfully, you can submit additional evidence or documentation to support and strengthen your claim at every level of appeal, save the federal court review.

You’re also statistically more likely to succeed with an appeal than a new application, which puts you back at square one, where you face the same nearly 70-percent denial rate. On the other hand, if you can make it to the second level of a Social Security disability appeal, or an Administrative Law Judge hearing, you have an almost 50 percent chance of being granted benefits. Your chances of winning your SSDI appeal are even better if you have skilled legal counsel.

However, the main advantage of an appeal is that you can preserve your original protective filing date, which is the date you let the SSA know you were planning to apply for SSDI. If your claim is ultimately approved, you could be eligible for back pay (or past-due benefits) going all the way back to your protective filing date (and, in some cases, an additional 12 months). Reapplying resets your protective filing date, meaning you’d be eligible for less back pay if granted benefits.

When to Reapply Rather Than Appeal

Though appealing a denied SSDI claim is usually the most advantageous option, there are times when starting over with a new application makes sense. Here are some examples:

• You missed the 60-day deadline to file for an appeal
• Your condition has worsened in severity (or expected duration)
• You’re applying for SSDI for a different medical condition

Denied SSDI Benefits? Let Our Adept Disability Attorneys Handle Your Appeal

Appealing a denied SSDI claim can be difficult and time-consuming. Skilled representation can improve your chances of being granted benefits. Let Keefe Disability Law handle your SSDI appeal so that you can focus your time and energy elsewhere. 

Ready to talk to us about your claim? Complete the contact form or call 508-283-5500 to schedule a free initial consultation. 

Related Links: Winning an SSDI Appeal SSDI Appeals: What to Know About ALJ Hearings SSDI Appeals: Mistakes to Avoid

 

If you applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) but were denied benefits, you’re not alone. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies between 60 and 70 percent of SSDI applications each year, often due to insufficient medical evidence or mistakes in the application paperwork.

Once you’ve received a denial letter, you have just 60 days (roughly two months) to initiate an appeal. That’s hardly enough time to learn the complexities of the SSDI appeals process, especially when you’re in such poor health. Don’t go at it alone.

Hiring a knowledgeable and experienced disability appeals lawyer to represent you can save you considerable stress, time, and effort – not to mention improve your chances for a successful outcome. Here’s what you should know about appealing an SSDI denial and how the exceptional Boston disability attorneys with Keefe Disability Law can help you.

Experience That Matters 

Appealing an SSDI denial can be confusing, frustrating, and more than a little intimidating. At Keefe Disability Law, we know the ins and outs of the complex Social Security disability system – and how to make it work for our clients. Since 1994, our adept attorneys have helped thousands of disabled clients get the financial benefits they need to survive when a severe medical impairment prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA). 

Understanding the SSDI Appeals Process 

The SSDI appeals process has four levels. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect – and the benefits of having skilled representation – at each level.

• Reconsideration. The first level of appeal is a complete reevaluation of your claim by a disability examiner not involved in the initial decision. You can submit new or additional evidence for review. Our attorneys can review your initial applications, correct mistakes or omissions, and assist you in obtaining the evidence needed to convey the severity of your condition to the SSA.
• Hearing by an administrative law judge. If you received a denial at the reconsideration level, you can request a hearing by an ALJ. This hearing has strict procedural and evidentiary rules that you’re unlikely to know as a layperson. Having a seasoned lawyer at this stage can increase your chances for approval.
• Review by the Appeals Council. If you disagree with the ALJ’s ruling, the next step is to request an Appeals Council review. From there, the council could dismiss your request and uphold the ALJ ruling, issue a new decision, or return the matter to the ALJ for further action. Our attorneys will advocate for your best interests at every step.
• Federal Court review. If you disagree with the Appeals Council's decision or the council refuses your request for review, you can file a civil lawsuit in a Federal district court. This last level of appeal involves complex litigation, which makes having a skilled disability attorney absolutely imperative. 

Our Contingency Agreements Mean You CAN Afford a Disability Attorney 

SSDI applicants are often reluctant to hire a disability attorney because they’re worried they can’t afford the expense. Fortunately, Keefe Disability Law accepts cases on contingency so that you can take advantage of accomplished legal representation without concern for the cost. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. If you’re approved for SSDI, we receive a portion of your back pay. The SSA pays us directly, while you receive a check for the remainder of your back-pay, so you never have to worry about the cost of our services. Have questions? Talk to us about your SSDI claim and our contingency agreements.

Schedule a Consultation

Complete our online contact form or call 508-283-5500 to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of Keefe Disability Law’s legal team. For more information, browse our online FAQs or request a free download of our informative guide, 7 Costly Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Social Security Disability Claim.

Related Links: Avoid These SSDI Appeal Mistakes Providing Evidence From Acceptable Medical Sources Appealing an SSDI Durational Denial

 

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) requires meeting specific criteria. Not only must you have worked in jobs covered by Social Security long enough to amass sufficient credits to qualify for SSDI, but you must have a disability or medically determinable impairment that's expected to prevent substantial gainful employment for at least 12 months or result in death.

If you applied for SSDI and received a durational denial from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the disability examiner and medical consultant who reviewed your claim didn't think your condition would last long enough to qualify you for benefits. Here's what you need to know about SSDI's duration-of-disability requirement and how an experienced disability lawyer can help you get your case back on track after a durational denial. 

Disability Duration and SSDI Eligibility

The SSA has a very specific definition of disability – and, sadly, getting a disabling diagnosis from your doctor doesn't necessarily mean you'll be eligible for SSDI benefits. To qualify for SSDI, your condition must prevent substantial gainful activity, meaning that you make less than a specified amount each month. (Though updated annually, in 2022, this amount was $1,350 for most people and $2,260 for statutorily blind applicants.) Additionally, you must make less than the specified amount for at least 12 months in a row.

Ways to Meet the SSDI Duration-of-Disability Requirement 

• You have a condition that has prevented substantial gainful employment for a minimum of 12 months.
• Your disability is expected to prevent substantial gainful activity for 12 months or longer.
• Your condition won't improve within the next 12 months.
• Your disability is terminal and will result in death.

Providing clear medical evidence of your condition is vital when applying for SSDI. If you received a durational denial, despite having a disability that meets one of the duration requirements, it could mean that:

• Your doctor wasn't able to state with confidence (or prove with data) that your injury or illness would prevent you from working for 12 months or more; or 
• Your application didn't include sufficient medical evidence proving the lasting nature of your disability to the SSA claims examiner and medical consultant assigned to your case.

The Problem With Durational Denials

Durational denials are somewhat controversial. Not only are they subjective and primarily based on opinion, but these crucial decisions are made by examiners who often have little-to-no medical experience and are signed off on by medical consultants who don't know you or your condition. Even worse, these individuals may rely on personal knowledge or biases when making their decisions, perhaps without even realizing it. 

What to Do If You Received a Durational Denial

Receiving a durational denial can be a significant setback, but, fortunately, these decisions aren't etched in stone. Durational denials made by SSA claims examiners are often successfully disputed and reversed on appeal. 

After receiving the denial, you have 60 days to initiate an appeal and request a reconsideration of the decision. However, at this stage, there's far too much at stake to go it alone. Consult a knowledgeable disability lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you understand your rights, options, and obligations throughout the SSDI appeals process.

Need Help Dealing With an SSDI Durational Denial? You've Come to the Right Place

Since 1994, Keefe Disability Law's Boston-based legal team has helped disabled clients throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island fight for the SSDI benefits they need and deserve. We assist clients at all stages of the disability process – from initial application to appeal. Ready to find out what our seasoned attorneys can do for you and your SSDI claim? 

Request a Free Consultation 

Complete our online contact form or call us at 508-283-5500 (toll-free 888-904-6847) to schedule an appointment for a free consultation regarding your SSDI durational denial and potential appeal. For additional information, request our complimentary guide, 7 Costly Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Social Security Disability Claim.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Should I Appeal or Reapply After a Denial? Common Reasons SSDI Claims Get Denied Understanding the Duration-of-Disability Requirement

 

In all likelihood, you will not get a decision on the day of your Social Security disability hearing.

Why Not?

In order to understand why you are unlikely to get a decision on the day of your hearing, it is important to understand how a hearing works.

Before your hearing, an administrative law judge (ALJ) will review your file. The file can be quite lengthy—from 500 to over 1,000 pages long. Most of the file is made up of detailed medical records that document the impairments and the treatment you have received for those impairments. 

Unfortunately, those records only tell part of the story. You have been granted a hearing so that the ALJ can meet you and get to know you. The testimony during the hearing can provide the ALJ with a detailed picture of your daily life—something that the medical records alone cannot do. This helps the ALJ learn the whole story so he can piece together what you have been going through and how your medical condition impacts your ability to work. 

After the hearing, the ALJ will consider your testimony, together with the medical records, and write up a decision that addresses all of the evidence in the claim. Most of the time, it is important for the ALJ to go back and take a fresh look at the file after hearing your testimony so that a final decision can be made.

Once all of these steps are completed, the ALJ will draft a written decision that is typically about 10 pages long and mail a copy to the claimant and the attorney. Although there is no deadline for the decision, it is our experience that decisions are typically received within 30 to 60 days after the hearing. 

Getting Benefits After a Successful Hearing

If the ALJ rules in your favor then your file will be sent to a payment processing center. It is here that the amount of your benefits and your back pay will be calculated. The amount of time that your file will be with the payment processing center before you receive benefits can vary.

In order to get the Social Security disability benefits that you deserve in a timely manner, please contact an experienced Social Security disability lawyer to learn more about your rights and about getting the benefits that you deserve. We will stay on top of your appeal and keep you apprised of its status.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Why Hire a Lawyer for a Social Security Disability Appeal Should I Appeal or Reapply After a Denial of Social Security Disability Benefits? Social Security Disability Appeal Statistics in Boston

 

Yes. In many cases, it makes sense to appeal a denial of Social Security disability benefits. The majority of initial Social Security disability claims are denied, and many deserving claimants are left deciding whether they should give up on their application or file an appeal. If you decide to file an appeal and to pursue the benefits that you deserve, then an experienced disability lawyer can improve your chances of success.

How to Know If an Appeal Is Right for You

If you received a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) saying you are not eligible for disability benefits, it is not the end of the road. In our experience, it may be worth the trouble to appeal what may be an unfair decision after you answer the following questions:

• Is your disability included on the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments? The Listing of Impairments provides an index of disabling conditions and explains how severe a condition must be to qualify for disability benefits.
• Will your disability keep you from working for at least a year or result in your death? One of these things must be true in order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
• Are you over age 55 or is your disability severe? These factors can greatly influence your chances of winning an appeal.
• Are you truly unable to work at any job? The Social Security Administration will look at your condition and decide if you are skilled enough to do some kind of work.
• Did you find any incorrect information in your denial letter? You can challenge anything that is not factual.

Being denied Social Security disability benefits may not be the end of the road. If you want help with making the decision about whether to appeal your disability benefits denial, call the experienced attorneys at Keefe Disability Law today. We can help you sort out the sometimes confusing Social Security disability appeals process and get you on the right track to getting the benefits that you have earned.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Will I Get a Social Security Hearing Decision on the Day of My Hearing? Should I Appeal or Reapply After a Denial of Social Security Disability Benefits? Social Security Disability Appeal Statistics in Boston

 

You will not qualify for Social Security disability benefits unless you can prove that you are disabled. This requires complete, correct, and current medical evidence that you can present with your application to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

What Must Your Medical Evidence Prove?

As a Social Security disability applicant, it is your responsibility to provide medical evidence that proves that:

• You have one or more health impairments. You must prove that you have a health impairment by providing objective medical evidence from an acceptable medical source.
• The severity of your impairment qualifies you for Social Security disability benefits. After you prove that you have a health impairment, then the SSA will look at medical evidence (and non-medical evidence) to determine how the impairment impacts your ability to work.

Who Can Provide Medical Evidence?

You should provide all of your medical records from all of the medical providers who have seen you for the condition for which you are seeking benefits. Acceptable medical sources include:

• Hospitals, clinics, or other health facilities where you have been treated—even if only for a brief time.
• Medical or osteopathic licensed physicians.
• Licensed or certified psychologists.
• Licensed optometrists who can prove that you have a qualifying visual disorder.
• Licensed podiatrists.
• Speech-language pathologists who are qualified to establish a speech or language impairment.

While you may provide the information yourself, the SSA will also help you get the medical reports you need from your own medical providers.

Treating Sources

The Social Security Administration guidelines refer to “treating sources.” These are medical professionals who have treated you for some length of time and who are likely to be able to provide medical evidence that shows the history, severity, and future prognosis of your impairment.

Treating sources are considered to be strong advocates for you and may provide useful medical evidence to the Social Security Administration. Therefore, if you have a medical provider who can be considered a treating source, then it may improve your chances of receiving Social Security disability benefits.

What Kinds of Medical Evidence Do You Have to Provide?

You must provide enough medical evidence to prove that you are unable to work; otherwise, the SSA will deny your application. Generally, this includes the following types of evidence from the professionals described above: 

• A complete record of all the medical treatment you have received in connection with your condition.
• A medical determination that you cannot work as a direct result of your medical condition.
• A medical opinion that you will not be able to work for at least 12 months or that your condition will result in death.
• A detailed account of your treatment plan and evidence that you are following that treatment plan. You are expected to follow your doctor’s orders for treating your condition. You should be taking the medicine that you are prescribed and participating in any recommended physical therapy.

The SSA will also be looking to see if you are keeping all of your scheduled medical appointments.

If the Social Security Administration determines that the medical evidence that you have provided is insufficient, then the agency may request a consultative examination, or it may deny your application.

Don’t Give Up If Your Social Security Disability Application Has Been Denied

One of the main reasons Social Security disability claims are denied is because of a lack of medical evidence. Even if you think that you are providing full and accurate records to the Social Security Administration, you may not be providing everything that the agency requires because the requirements are complicated and often confusing.

An experienced Social Security disability lawyer can help you sort out the many pieces of evidence that you need, help you get the necessary paperwork you do not already have, and help you get the benefits that you deserve by filing the right kind of appeal. Contact our experienced attorneys today via this website or by phone to schedule an initial consultation about your rights.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Should I Appeal or Reapply After a Social Security Disability Denial? Social Security Disability Appeal Statistics for Boston Should I Hire a Lawyer If My Social Security Disability Application Is Denied?

 

You haven’t been able to work for nearly eight months, your doctor has told you repeatedly that you can’t stand for more than a few minutes at a time, and you can barely pay for your medication, let alone make house payments. How could your disability application have been denied?

What can you do now?

Factors for a “Critical” Appeal

When your disability claim has been denied, you have the right to file an appeal to get the decision overturned. Once you file your appeal with the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, the hearing office will review your claim and classify its appeal priority based on the HALLEX system for critical cases. Your case will be considered critical if one of the following factors exists:

• You have a terminal illness.
• You are a veteran who has been determined to have a 100% permanent and total disability (VPAT).
• You have earned Military Casualty or Wounded Warrior status (MCWW).
• You have symptoms or disease that qualifies for compassionate allowance standings.
• Your situation shows evidence of dire need of food, shelter, or medical care.
• You are potentially violent, suicidal, or homicidal.

If your claim is found to be a critical case it will be expedited for immediate determination.

Increasing Your Claim’s Odds for a Faster Approval

Although every claim is different, having an experienced disability lawyer on your side will always drastically improve your odds of a success. A good attorney can not only help provide evidence to aid and facilitate a speedy decision, but he’ll also be able to present the evidence in such a way that shows the necessity of an approval.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Social Security Disability Fund Reaches Insolvency in 2016 Your Chance of a Disability Appeal Success in New Hampshire Chances of a Favorable Disability Review in Rhode Island

When you’re depending on disability benefits to help support your family, opening a rejection letter after several months of waiting can be heartbreaking. Those benefits mean the difference between surviving and bankruptcy. Fortunately, you still have a chance to appeal the SSA’s decision, but you’re wondering what the odds are for your approval.

Boston ODAR Wait Times and Case Results

When your disability claim is rejected, you have the right to file an appeal with your local Office of Disability Adjudication Review (ODAR). Although the home office of the ODAR is located in Virginia, there are three satellite offices in Massachusetts. Those offices are located in Boston, Lawrence, and Springfield. The Boston office is the largest with 13 presiding administrative law judges (ALJs).

Because the Boston office has twice as many ALJs as Lawrence and Springfield, it has a slightly faster turn-around and is able to review more cases in a shorter period of time. The average wait time for a hearing at the Boston office is 11 months, which is about two months shorter than the national average. The average processing time in Boston is just over a year, but is shorter than the national average by about 50 days.

Case results at the Boston office are on par with national averages, as the following SSA statistics indicate:

• Cases dismissed.   Boston: 22%       National average: 18%
• Cases approved.    Boston: 42%        National average: 44%
• Cases denied.         Boston 36%        National average: 38%

Improving Your Odds of a Successful Appeal

Although every claim is different, and each judge has his or her own way of determining whether a denied claim should be reconsidered, you can improve your odds dramatically by accepting the help of an experienced lawyer. We know how to improve your claim for an appeal. Let us help make sure that you take full advantage of your second chance. Contact us today for a free consultation. Call 508-283-5500 now for the help you deserve!

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: What is “substantial gainful activity” and how will it affect my disability application? Social Security Offices Considering Disability Appeals Where to Appeal a Disability Denial in Boston

Over the past few months your depression and anxiety has become completely out of control.  You’ve suffered these disorders your entire life—or at least as long as you can remember—but you’ve always been able to keep them under control with medication and therapy. However, for some reason, you’ve been experiencing severe panic attacks at work lately, and you’ve called in seven times in the past three months because you couldn’t make yourself get out of bed. Your boss has already warned you that if there is one more issue, he’ll have to fire you.

After talking to your therapist, you decided to apply for disability. However, after waiting several months for a reply, you were denied. The letter claimed that you didn’t provide substantial evidence to prove that your disorder keeps you from working.

What does that even mean? What kind of evidence were you supposed to include? What are your options now?  

Proving Your Claim

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 2.5 million mental disability claims are filed to the Social Security Administration (SSA) each year in the United States. However, many of these claims are denied due to the improper documentation and evidence pertaining to the severity of the claimant’s disorder. Considering that serious mental illnesses are just as entitled to disability payments as serious physical illnesses, properly filled out claims are essential. Otherwise, sufferers could wind up being denied their rightful benefits of up to $900 a month and receiving Medicare.

The SSA recommends that before filing, you and your disability attorney verify the following information: documentation and evidence of your disorder’s work-related functional limitations. Providing this data will help you avoid timely delays and wrongful claim denials.

Data needed includes:

• Specific symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings to prove your disability exists.
• Assessment of the severity and degree of limitations the disorder imposes on your daily activities, social functions, and concentration, as well as your ability to work.
• Proof that these limitations have lasted, or are expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
• Analysis of impairments compared to normal sustainable anxiety issues.
• Evidence of any physical dysfunction.
• Documentation of degeneration or worsening of symptoms over time.
• Medical testimonials verifying your disorder and the severity.
• Witness statements and evaluations relating to deterioration of work.

 

Collecting the above documentation and evidence can be frustrating. However, you don’t have to do it alone. Once you’re diagnosed with severe and debilitating anxiety, an experienced disability lawyer can help gather the necessary materials to help enhance your claim.

Fighting Denial and Fear With Proper Representation

Make sure your family and friends are aware of disability qualification guidelines to prevent needless claim denials and months of useless waiting. Click the media icons on this page to share this article via Facebook. You can also help by having them contact us directly to discuss any potential questions or concerns they may have about their disability claims.

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Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: I’m Scared and Worried About My Future. Do You have Any Coping Mechanisms for Being Denied Disability? Anxiety Signs That Should Qualify for Disability Qualifying Symptoms of Depression for Disability Benefits

 

Yes. After going through something as grueling and painful as a hip injury and hip replacement surgery, it’s heartbreaking to be denied. The financial support from the Social Security Administration (SSA) may be your last resort when it comes to getting the support you need after such a difficult experience. Getting approved can mean the difference between recovering quickly and suffering for years to come.

What to Do After Being Denied SSDI in New Hampshire After a Hip Replacement

The SSA requires that you demonstrate a few things when applying for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits after hip replacement surgery in New Hampshire. These include showing that you are unable to walk effectively and will not be able to walk effectively for at least a year. Walking effectively means the following:

• You don’t need a cane, walker, or crutches to get around.
• You can walk a block on an uneven surface at a reasonable speed.
• You can climb down a flight of stairs using only one handrail at a reasonable speed.
• You don’t need help traveling to and from work.
• You can walk extended distances on your own at a reasonable speed, such as through the grocery store or on your usual errands. 

If you can’t meet all these criteria but were still denied, you should appeal. However, even if you can say YES to each of these criteria, there are options available to you.

The SSA provides an alternative to meeting their stringent listings. This alternative, called the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form, allows you to show the specific ways your injury has limited your ability to work. This should include how you are limited in doing sedentary work as well as manual labor.

Filing these forms is not easy, which is why we encourage you to speak to the relevant professionals about it before submitting your request. Talk to your doctor about getting a detailed note about your condition, and then reach out to a New Hampshire Social Security disability lawyer at Keefe Disability Law to go over your application prior to submission. This will save you tremendous hassle and worry as you reapply.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

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It is not easy to get Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits for a broken ankle. That’s because the range of severity in broken ankles varies so greatly. While someone might not have a very severe break in his or her ankle, you could have permanent damage as a result of one mishap.

Since the Social Security Administration (SSA) denied your application for SSDI in Boston for a broken ankle, you will need to verify that you meet the criteria put in place for broken bones, and then appeal your denial.

Do You Qualify for SSDI in Boston for a Broken Ankle?

In order to show that your broken bone is severe enough to prevent you from working, there are a few things you need to provide:

• An X-ray to show that your bone will not heal. The radiograph should show that the two main broken areas are not fused back together, even after the healing process is over.
• A physical exam that determines your bone is not healing properly. This exam is performed by your doctor and requires that he confirm that he can feel that the bones have not healed properly.
• Inability to walk normally. This must last for at least 12 months.

 

If you meet one of these criteria, you can submit an appeal. The appeal process is difficult and requires strict and detail proof of your disability.

Because each case is so different and the appeal process is so stringent, it is important that you work with a Social Security disability lawyer in Boston when planning your appeal. This will help ensure that you submit all of the necessary paperwork so that you maximize your chances at receiving an approval.

To start your appeal process, send us a note by using the contact form on this page. We will review your information and get in touch to provide you the best next steps for your unique situation.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Was Your Disability Caused by Osteoporosis? How to Strengthen Your Bones and Potentially Avoid Needing SSDI

Sometimes the Social Security Administration (SSA) will deny your application if they feel you are capable of doing work elsewhere. Often this is decided upon based on your past work history. Although someone will most likely testify at your hearing after a denial that you can do another job based on your past work history, there are ways around this.

What to Expect at Your Disability Hearing in Boston

When you go to your disability hearing before an administrative law judge, he will have the list of past jobs that you’ve held over the last 15 years. During your hearing, the judge will review each of your past jobs and ask you about them. Based on your answers, the judge will determine whether you are capable of holding another job, or if you qualify to receive Social Security disability.

As you describe your past work experience, here are a few of the most important items to include that can help your case:

• How long you spent learning the job, including any specialized training you needed
• How long you held the position
• Your specific job title
• Whether you managed other people
• The physical requirements of the job, including the use of any special equipment
• The mental requirements, including if you worked with the public
• Whether you were able to sit, stand, or walk whenever you needed to
• How many hours you worked each week
• Whether your employer offered you any special accommodations
• Why you left the job 

 

Each of these answers will shed light on what your work experience was really like during each of your past jobs. Using your answers, the judge will determine whether or not you can perform similar jobs in the future.

Having a lawyer by your side throughout the hearing is a smart idea. If you’re worried about your hearing, let us be there to support you. With our experience in these hearings, we know what will help, and what could hurt your case. Contact us today to schedule your pre-hearing appointment with a Boston Social Security disability lawyer.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

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Being approved or denied Social Security disability for scoliosis depends on the severity of your symptoms. Some people with scoliosis only experience mild symptoms, while others have a more severe case that significantly limits their ability to work or perform daily tasks. To qualify, you must have a more severe case, and you must show how your scoliosis impacts your ability to work.

If your case of scoliosis is severe and prevents you from working, you may be able to appeal your denial. To understand if this is the right decision for you, it is important to know what the Social Security Administration considers qualifying symptoms of scoliosis.

How to Qualify for Social Security Disability for Scoliosis

Before you submit your appeal, you’ll need to be sure that you can show that you have at least one of the following:

• Pain, muscle weakness, or limitations in your mobility from a nerve root compression.
• Severe pain, especially when you sit in the same position for a long period of time, due to inflammation of the membrane that surrounds your spine.
• Chronic weakness or pain from narrowing of the spine 

 

If you have any of those symptoms, and you were still denied Social Security disability, you may be able to appeal.

When you file your appeal, it is critical that you submit all evidence that shows specifically how your disability limits you from working. This means that you must show all imaging tests, detailed descriptions by your doctor of physical exams, and any records that show the treatment you’ve tried, and what you’re currently doing to limit your symptoms.

Filing an appeal is not an easy process. If you’d like more information about what it takes to improve your chances of being approved, we encourage you to download our free report with the top asked questions about Social Security disability. If you still have questions, or would like more help, please reach out to us at any time during your appeals process.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Top Conditions that Qualify for the SSA Compassionate Allowances Program Getting SSDI for Nerve Root Compression Neck Pain Could Qualify You for SSDI

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a complex listing for lupus. In order to qualify under its listing, you must show that you have very specific symptoms, such as fever, exhaustion, malaise, and weight loss, while also showing how these symptoms limit your ability to function in the workplace. If you were denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in Boston for lupus, chances are your application was missing one of the criteria the SSA needs to see to approve you.

Medical Evidence to Submit in Your Appeal for SSDI in Boston for Lupus

Although you were denied, you still have an opportunity to receive the support you need. Many people are denied in their initial application. When you appeal, you must submit medical evidence that shows you have been correctly diagnosed with lupus, and that you meet the specific criteria put in place by the SSA.

The SSA uses the guidelines put in place by the American College of Rheumatology when making their determination. Therefore, according to current criteria for lupus, you must show that you have at least four of the following:

• Renal disorder
• Neurologic disorder
• Hematologic disorder
• Immunologic disorder
• Malar rash
• Discoid rash
• Photosensitivity
• Oral Ulcers
• Arthritis
• Sersitis
• Antinuclear antibody

When submitting your appeal, you must prove that you have these four symptoms through medical evidence, such as from blood tests, doctor notes, imaging tests, and more.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

 

Related Links: What You Should Know About Lupus and SSA Disability How to Cope with Lupus as a Disability What to Know About Qualifying for New Hampshire SSDI with Lupus

The Social Security Administration (SSA) places strict guidelines on each of their disability listings. For people who have had reconstructive surgery on a weight-bearing joint, such as you had on your knee, the SSA needs to see that the surgery did not properly repair the damage. You must also show the extent to which you are still limited even after trying to repair the damage to your joint.

Showing Your Inability to Walk Effectively

In your appeal, you must show that you cannot walk effectively. This essentially means that the SSA wants to see that you have a disability that limits you in your job. Some of the ways that you may be considered unable to walk effectively include:

• Using some system of support to get around, such as a walker, or two crutches.
• You are forced to walk at an unreasonably slow pace to perform daily tasks, such as grocery shopping.
• You have difficulty walking on uneven surfaces at a reasonable pace.
• You are limited in how many stairs you can climb and how quickly you can climb with the help of a handrail.
• You require assistance in getting to and from work.
   

Guidelines like these may seem straightforward, but demonstrating them to the SSA in a way that will allow you to be approved for SSDI in Boston for reconstructive surgery is not easy.

Working with a skilled SSDI lawyer in Boston can help. By putting the experience with and the knowledge of the Social Security system to work on your appeal, you can increase your opportunity to be approved. Let us know if you meet these criteria and would like help filing your appeal by filling out the contact form on this page.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

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Mental illnesses can be extremely debilitating, making it difficult to perform regular activities at your job. However, when it comes to documenting the disabling symptoms of these disabilities, you may find that it is not all that easy. In many cases, the Social Security Administration (SSA), or your Social Security disability lawyer in Boston may advise you to fill out a mental Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form.

Understanding a Mental RFC Form

The mental RFC form is used to look at the type of activities that you are still able to do in spite of your mental disability. The SSA uses the information from this form to decide if you are able to continue working in some capacity in your field. When filling out this form, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Comprehension and memory. The SSA will consider your ability to understand and carry out certain instructions. If your memory is limited by your mental illness, or you cannot understand basic instructions, you may are limited in the work you can perform.
   
• Social capabilities. Many jobs require some level of social interaction. If you struggle to interact appropriately with people, ask for help, accept feedback, or avoid engaging in distracting behavior, you may not be able to perform lesser skilled tasks at your job.
   
• Focus and concentration. Most jobs require that you focus on the work at hand. This requires you to be able to pay attention for longer periods of time. If you are significantly limited in your ability to do this, the SSA may determine you are not able to work.
   
• Adaptation to various environments. Work environments can be stressful. The SSA will also use the RFC to consider how well you can adapt to changing environments that have the potential to be stressful.
   

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

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We are sorry to hear you were denied Social Security disability in Boston after your stroke! Strokes are a difficult condition because the symptoms and severity of the damages vary greatly from one person to another. Sometimes, if the disability was not cited clearly or if there was some confusion on the application, the Social Security Administration (SSA) might deny your disability claim even if you qualify under the listing for a stroke.

Here are a few things you should start to do today to begin the appeal process for your claim.

• Talk to your doctor. Many doctors know how difficult it is to get disability income after a stroke. Talk to your doctor and ask her to outline the specific medical damages you experienced after your stroke, and how they impair your ability to perform basic tasks, such as writing, lifting, pulling, or other important tasks for your job.
• Keep a journal. Keep a journal of all of your symptoms. Make sure to write down when your symptoms prevent you from working, and what specific tasks you were unable to perform. This will show the person reviewing your appeal how the damages from your stroke limit your ability to work.
• Fill out an RFC form. It may be a good idea to fill out a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form. This form shows what you are able to do on a regular basis in spite of the damages you suffered.

 

Filing an appeal after being denied SSDI in Boston for a stroke is not easy. For help, or more guidance, call our office to speak to a Boston Social Security disability attorney about your application and appeal.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

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We’re sorry to hear that Bell’s Palsy left you with permanent damage. Although rare, this condition can have serious consequences if the treatment does not work. Many times, the permanent nerve damage caused by this condition is enough to impair your ability to work in the job you once used to.

If You Area Denied

Although a denial can feel hopeless, it is important to remember that the majority of people get denied when they first submit their application. Here are a few things you can do to help put together an appeal so that you can receive the benefits you deserve:

• Obtain medical evidence. The first thing you’ll need to do is gather all of your medical evidence that shows the extent of your disability. This includes doctor statements, test results, treatments you tried, daily symptoms, and more.

• Fill out a residual functional capacity assessment. Because Bell’s Palsy is not listed as an impairment, it is important that you show how the permanent damage has left you disabled. Filling out a residual functional capacity assessment shows the Social Security administrator reviewing your appeal exactly how limited you are in your job performance.

• Work with a Boston SSDI attorney. Filing an appeal is a complex process. With help from an attorney skilled at helping people fight back against Social Security denials, you can dramatically increase your chances at approval.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Three Tips to Get Boston Social Security Disability for Bell’s Palsy I was denied disability benefits even though I can’t even leave my house without help. What can I do? I was denied, but don’t understand the appeals process. Can you help?

When you suffer from seizures, disability in Massachusetts can provide you valuable income. This income can help you deal with the need to limit your job functions so that your co-workers and yourself are not put at risk of something going wrong on a job site if you have a seizure. The Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) program in Massachusetts is meant to help limit these risks and provide you the income you need to live.

What If I Am Denied?

Receiving a denial letter in the mail can be frustrating and heartbreaking, but it is important to know that you still have options. You first action should be to appeal the decision against you. When you submit your appeal, it is critical that you include all of the necessary pieces of paperwork and documentation. Here are a few things you will need to make your appeal stronger:

• A statement from your doctor
• Proof that you have followed all treatments and prescriptions (this can include blood tests to show that your medication levels remained constant)
• Documentation of your frequency and severity of seizures
• Statements from your family and friends or any third party that has seen your seizures

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.

 

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