What Happens if You Lose a Social Security Disability Appeal?

There are many ways to appeal a Social Security Disability decision the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes. So, depending on which stage you lost your appeal at, there will be different outcomes. In some cases, you’ll be eligible for a further decision, while in others, you won’t be able to.

At Pilzer Klein, our team of Social Security Disability appeals lawyers in Greenville, SC, can help you if you’ve lost your Social Security Disability appeal. Read on to learn what to do after you’ve been denied benefits.

What to Do After You Lose at Reconsideration

If you lose your reconsideration appeal, requesting a hearing in front of an administrative law judge is the next step. In this hearing, you’ll have the opportunity to testify about how your condition affects your ability to work. You should submit any new medical evidence that shows your condition has worsened.

It’s also a good idea to consider seeking representation from a Social Security Disability appeals attorney in Greenville, SC, for the hearing. An experienced attorney from our team can help ensure your case has all the relevant documentation. We can help present your arguments to the judge in a way that improves your chances of a favorable decision.

We have extensive knowledge of the hearing process and what evidence is most persuasive to a judge. With an attorney supporting your case, you increase your odds of success at this stage of appeal.

Next Steps After Losing Your Disability Appeal After Your Hearing

If you lose your appeal after the hearing, requesting an Appeals Council review within 60 days is the next step. In this request, you can submit additional written arguments and medical evidence for consideration.

A Social Security Disability appeals lawyer in Greenville, SC, can thoroughly review your case file to identify any issues that need to be fixed. We may advise submitting supplemental documentation from doctors. Or we could arrange for a medical expert to provide testimony on your condition and limitations.

We know the most effective strategies for different appeal levels. With our attorney’s guidance, you can take full advantage of the Appeals Council review to possibly overturn the prior hearing decision.

What to Do After You Lose at the Appeals Council Level

Having dedicated Greenville, SC, Social Security disability appeals attorneys are essential when losing an appeal at the Appeals Council level. Filing for civil action in a federal district court within 60 days is the final option.

However, going through the judicial review process without representation can be extremely difficult. An experienced attorney can evaluate the legal merits of your case. We can then properly prepare all necessary briefs and filings needed for your day in court.

Your attorney will argue your case before the judge to potentially overturn the agency’s unfavorable determination. Federal court represents your last opportunity to receive the benefits you need, making skilled legal representation crucial at this final stage of appeal.

What To Do After You’re Denied in Federal Court Review

If you receive an unfavorable decision from the Appeals Council, this is typically considered the final decision from the Social Security Administration at the administrative level. However, claimants do have the right to appeal the decision in federal court further.

Filing a lawsuit against the SSA in federal district court is known as seeking judicial review. If the federal district court decides your case and issues a denial, this is not considered the end of the process. You would still have the right to appeal the district court’s decision to the Court of Appeals.

The Court of Appeals will then review the legal arguments in the case to determine if the district court applied the law correctly. If they decide in your favor, the case could be sent back to the SSA for further review. But if the Court of Appeals upholds the denial, at that point, further appeals options at the administrative level would be exhausted.

It’s important to work with an experienced disability attorney in Greenville, SC, throughout the entire appeals process, including any federal court appeals. We can ensure your case is fully and persuasively presented at every stage to maximize your chances of a favorable decision. Even if benefits are ultimately denied, an attorney from our law firm can help explore other sources of support for income, healthcare, and long-term assistance. Exhausting all available administrative and legal options is key to accessing all possible benefits.

Why Is Pilzer Klein the Right Law Firm to Handle Your Disability Benefits Case?

Our Social Security Disability appeals lawyers, Don Pilzer and Kevin Klein, have extensive experience effectively arguing Social Security cases at every level of appeal. Don has represented many clients before the U.S. District Court and thoroughly understands what is required to build a compelling case before a federal judge.

You can trust that your lawyer will make your appeal a top priority, whether meeting with you in person or over the phone. Unlike other firms where you may never speak to an attorney, our law firm is fully committed to developing a strong attorney-client relationship and seeing your claim through to completion.

With our lawyers’ in-depth experience successfully representing clients for decades, you can feel confident having Pilzer Klein in your corner, fighting tirelessly for the disability benefits you deserve.

Learn More About What Happens After You Lose a Social Security Disability Appeal

At Pilzer Klein, our Greenville Social Security Disability appeals attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience. We can help you if you’ve lost your appeal at any stage.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you advance through the appeal process after you’ve been denied.