Pickens Social Security Disability Appeals Lawyer

After you submit a Social Security disability (claim, you can only hope for the best. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies many requests for benefits. If your claim was met with a denial, a Social Security disability appeals lawyer in Pickens could help you appeal the decision.

Our law firm is dedicated to helping people in need access financial assistance. Our Pickens Social Security disability attorneys will help you access the benefits you need for a better life. Call us today for a free initial consultation.

How Social Security Disability Claims Work in Pickens, SC

If you suffer from a disabling medical condition in South Carolina, you could qualify for benefits from the SSA. Depending on your case, you could qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or both.

To access financial help, you must file a claim in which you present your case. You will have to have comprehensive documentation (including medical records, work history, and other supporting evidence) to demonstrate the severity and duration of your disability.

Once you apply, it undergoes a thorough review by the Social Security Administration. This includes an evaluation of the medical evidence provided and assessing your ability to perform a substantial gainful activity (SGA). The SSA may request additional medical records or schedule a consultative examination if they need further information.

Unfortunately, initial applications are often denied for various reasons, such as lack of sufficient medical evidence or failure to meet the SSA’s eligibility criteria. If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. A Social Security disability lawyer in Pickens, SC, can help you fight for benefits.

Common Reasons for Denying SSD Claims

While the approval process for Social Security disability benefits may look easy enough, complications can arise at any turn. If the SSA does not have all the data they need, they may deny your claim. Simple mistakes like trying to earn a living while waiting for benefits can harm your case.

Common mistakes that can lead to a denial of your benefits in South Carolina include:

• Not getting consistent medical care
• Working too much
• Providing insufficient information about past jobs
• Abusing alcohol or illegal substances

At our Social Security disability law firm, we prioritize communication and transparency. We will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed about the progress of your case. With our help, you can avoid making common mistakes that damage your case.

Understanding How the Social Security Disability Appeal Process Works

If your initial claim was met with a denial, you should not give up on the disability benefits you are entitled to have. After you receive the decision, you can appeal within 60 days.

Our lawyers can help you fight for financial assistance by strengthening your case and appealing the denial. During our collaboration, we will work closely together to ensure optimal results. We will rely on additional evidence to outline your condition’s impact on your life.

We may use the following evidence to strengthen your Social Security claim:

• Medical records: Detailed medical records from healthcare providers documenting the nature, severity, and duration of the disability. This includes diagnostic treatment plans, surgical reports, medication history, and relevant specialist consultations.
• Work history and vocational evidence: A detailed work history, including job descriptions and physical or mental demands of previous occupations, can help demonstrate the inability to perform SGA. Vocational expert testimony may also be sought to analyze the claimant’s past work and assess their ability to perform other types of work.
• Statements from family, friends, or coworkers: Written statements from individuals who can provide insight into the claimant’s daily life and the challenges they face due to the disability can be valuable supporting evidence.

While the appeals process may be complex, it offers a valuable opportunity for claimants to access the financial help they need. However, you should not go through this process alone; a Social Security disability attorney in Pickens, SC, can help you.

The Levels of the Social Security Disability Appeal Process

If you wish to challenge the denial of your claim, you have four chances to ask for a change of the decision. The process begins at the administrative level and can move to the federal court.

You can proceed to the next level each time your request is denied. However, you must submit your case within 60 days of receiving the notice.

The main levels of an SSDI benefits appeal are:

• Reconsideration: After receiving an initial denial of benefits, the first level of appeal is filing a request for reconsideration. At this stage, the claimant can submit additional evidence or documentation to support their claim, and the case is reviewed by a different examiner than the one who made the initial decision.
• Administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing: If the claim is denied upon reconsideration, the next level of appeal is requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. You will have the opportunity to present your case, provide testimony, and present additional evidence, and the ALJ will evaluate the evidence and issue a decision.
• Appeals Council review: If the ALJ denies the claim, the next step is to request a review by the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council will assess the ALJ’s decision and may choose to review the case or deny the request for review.
• Federal court review: If the claim is still denied after the Appeals Council stage or if the council decides not to review the case, the final level of appeal is filing a lawsuit in federal district court. At this stage, the claimant’s case is reviewed by a federal judge who will assess the SSA’s handling of the claim and determine if the denial was justified.

Call a Pickens Social Security Disability Appeals Lawyer Today

Receiving a notice of denial does not necessarily mean the end of the road; you can continue to pursue SSDI benefits through a different path. Our Pickens Social Security disability appeals attorneys will prepare you for the next stage.

At Pilzer Klein, we build trusting relationships with our clients based on mutual respect and understanding. We aim to ensure you are well-prepared for the hearing, providing you with the confidence you need during this challenging time.

We understand the significant impact a successful Social Security disability appeal can have on your life. Contact our legal team in South Carolina to discuss your options today.