SSDI Reconsideration Attorneys Helping You Take The Next Step Toward Benefits
Getting a denial letter after applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can feel discouraging, but it is also common. Thankfully, a denial does not mean you are out of options. A timely appeal can address missing information, strengthen the medical evidence and better explain how your condition limits your ability to work, helping you get the benefits you need.
At Reitan Law Office, PLLC, our family firm has helped injured and disabled Minnesotans and North Dakotans pursue the disability benefits they need for more than 40 years. From our offices in Fargo, Minneapolis, Mankato and Chaska, we help people meet deadlines, avoid costly mistakes and present the strongest case possible during reconsideration.
Why Are SSDI Claims Denied?
SSDI denials are common, even for people with serious medical conditions. Some of the most frequent reasons include:
Insufficient Medical Evidence
Decisions about SSDI rely heavily on medical records. If your records do not clearly document diagnoses, objective findings of imaging and lab tests, and treatment history, they may deny your claim. It is also important for your records to show your functional limitations, including how long you can stand, how much you can lift and how symptoms affect attention, attendance and other key aspects of your work.
Social Security Believes You Can Still Work
Many denials happen because the examiner concludes you can do your prior job or adjust to other work. This often turns on your “residual functional capacity” and whether your health care provider clearly outlines your limitations in their notes.
Your Condition Is Expected To Improve Or Has Not Lasted Long Enough
SSDI generally requires an impairment expected to last at least 12 months (or result in death). If Social Security believes your condition is temporary, it may deny the claim.
You Did Not Follow Your Treatment Plan Or Had Gaps In Your Treatment
Long gaps in care, missed appointments or not following treatment recommendations can raise questions. In this case, it is important to show that there was a valid reason for these lapses. That may include the cost, lack of insurance, side effects or limited access to transportation.
Inconsistent Statements
It is important to remain consistent in your application. Differences between your medical records, submitted forms and statements to Social Security can undermine your credibility and lead to denial.
Technical Or Eligibility Issues
Some denials have nothing to do with disability but can still seriously impact your claim. This can include situations where you have insufficient work credits, earn more than the government allows, or miss deadlines or required forms.
What Does The Appeals Process Look Like?
If you receive a denial, the main stages are:
- Reconsideration: If you file for reconsideration within 60 days of receiving your denial, a new examiner will review your claim. This is where updated evidence matters. You may be asked to complete Form SSA-3441 (Disability Report – Appeal) to report new treatment, tests, medications and changes in symptoms or daily functioning.
- Hearing: If reconsideration does not succeed, you can ask for a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ) within 60 days. This is an opportunity to explain your limitations, submit additional medical opinions and respond to claims about your ability to work.
- Appeals Council review: If the ALJ denies the claim, you have 60 days to ask the Appeals Council to review for legal or procedural errors. The Appeals Council may make a decision about their claim on its own. They may also decide not to review your claim or send the case back to the judge.
- Federal court: If necessary, the final step is filing a lawsuit in federal court challenging the agency’s decision.
At every stage, the goal is the same: clearly connect your medical condition to specific, work-related limitations and support those limits with consistent medical records and opinions. An experienced SSDI attorney can help build that proof, meet deadlines and present the strongest possible case on appeal.
How Long Does An SSDI Appeal Take?
Timelines vary, but SSDI reconsideration often takes several months. If Social Security denies your claim after reconsideration, the next step is typically a hearing before an ALJ, which can take longer.
An attorney can help keep your case moving by quickly gathering records, submitting evidence on time and responding to Social Security requests.
How Will You Know What Is Happening With Your Appeal?
You can usually monitor your SSDI appeal status through your Social Security online account or by contacting your local Social Security office. If you have counsel, your lawyer can also help you track updates and confirm what stage your case is in.
How Can An Experienced SSDI Appeals Attorney Support You?
An SSDI reconsideration lawyer can identify what went wrong in the initial claim, develop the medical and vocational evidence needed to prove disability, prepare you for statements and hearings, and communicate with Social Security on your behalf. This can help you keep your claim on track after a denial. If you’re wondering how to appeal an SSDI denial, Reitan Law Office, PLLC, can guide you through each step and pursue the benefits you need.
Was Your Claim Denied? We Can Help.
If you need an SSDI appeal attorney in Minneapolis, Fargo or elsewhere in Minnesota and North Dakota, contact our team today to speak with an attorney about your next steps. You can call our Fargo office at 701-581-7854 for guidance in North Dakota. You can also reach out to our Mankato office at 507-388-1800, our Chaska office at 952-448-2800 or our Minneapolis office at 612-424-6011.