Denied Social Security Disability Benefits? You May Still Have a Strong Case.

Receiving a denial from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be frustrating and overwhelming. Many deserving applicants are denied the first time they apply—even when they have legitimate medical conditions that prevent them from working.

A denial is not the end of your case.

At Ginsburg Law Group, P.C., we help individuals challenge Social Security Disability denials and guide them through every stage of the appeals process. Whether your initial application was denied or you have already received an unfavorable decision from an Administrative Law Judge, our attorneys can evaluate your case and help determine the best path forward.

If your benefits were denied, contact us today for a consultation.

Why Are So Many Social Security Disability Claims Denied?

The Social Security Administration denies a significant percentage of initial disability applications. Common reasons include:

• Insufficient medical evidence
• Missing medical records
• Failure to follow prescribed treatment
• SSA determining you can perform other work
• Income exceeding program limits (for SSI)
• Technical application errors
• Incomplete paperwork
• Missing deadlines
• Failure to prove that your disability will last at least 12 months or result in death

Many denials occur because important information was never presented—not because the applicant is ineligible.

Understanding Social Security Disability Programs

The SSA administers two primary disability programs.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI provides benefits to individuals who:

• Have worked and paid Social Security taxes
• Earned sufficient work credits
• Are unable to work because of a qualifying disability

Benefits are based on your work history and prior earnings.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI provides monthly benefits for disabled individuals with limited income and limited assets.

Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require prior work history but has strict financial eligibility requirements.

Some individuals qualify for both SSDI and SSI.

Common Disabilities That May Qualify

Every case is unique, but Social Security benefits may be available for individuals suffering from conditions such as:

Physical Conditions

• Back and spinal injuries
• Degenerative disc disease
• Arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Heart disease
• COPD
• Severe asthma
• Cancer
• Lupus
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic pain disorders
• Stroke complications

Mental Health Conditions

• Major depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• PTSD
• Schizophrenia
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Intellectual disabilities

Neurological Disorders

• Epilepsy
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neuropathy
• ALS
• Alzheimer’s disease

The key question is not simply whether you have a diagnosis—but whether your condition prevents you from maintaining substantial gainful employment.

The Social Security Appeals Process

If your application has been denied, you generally have 60 days to appeal.

Missing this deadline may require starting the process over.

The appeals process typically includes several levels.

Reconsideration

A different disability examiner reviews your application and any new medical evidence.

Many applicants submit updated medical records during this stage.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing

If reconsideration is denied, you may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

This is often the most important stage of the appeal.

During the hearing, the judge may hear testimony from:

• You
• Medical experts
• Vocational experts
• Witnesses

Proper preparation can make a significant difference.

Appeals Council Review

If the Administrative Law Judge denies benefits, you may ask the Appeals Council to review the decision.

The Council may:

• Affirm the decision
• Reverse the decision
• Send the case back for another hearing

Federal Court Appeal

If necessary, you may file a lawsuit in federal court seeking review of the SSA’s final decision.

This stage focuses on whether the Social Security Administration properly applied the law.

How We Help With Social Security Appeals

Our firm works to build the strongest possible appeal by:

• Reviewing your denial letter
• Identifying weaknesses in the original application
• Gathering additional medical evidence
• Working with your physicians when appropriate
• Obtaining medical records
• Preparing legal arguments
• Preparing you for hearings
• Questioning vocational and medical experts when appropriate
• Meeting filing deadlines
• Handling communication with the Social Security Administration

Every appeal receives an individualized review based on the specific facts of your case.

What Evidence Can Improve an Appeal?

Strong evidence is often the difference between approval and denial.

Helpful evidence may include:

• Updated medical records
• Specialist evaluations
• MRI or imaging results
• Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)
• Physician opinion letters
• Mental health treatment records
• Medication history
• Hospital records
• Work history documentation
• Statements describing how your condition limits daily activities

The stronger and more complete the evidence, the stronger your appeal may become.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to appeal?

In most cases, you have 60 days from the date you receive your denial notice.

Can I submit new medical records?

Yes. Updated medical evidence is often critical during the appeals process.

Do I have to attend a hearing?

If your case reaches an Administrative Law Judge, you will generally participate in a hearing, either in person or by video or telephone, depending on SSA procedures.

How long does a Social Security appeal take?

Appeals can take several months or longer depending on the stage of the case, hearing availability, and the complexity of your medical issues.

Can I work while applying for disability?

Possibly. However, earning above Social Security’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits may affect eligibility. We can help evaluate your specific situation.

What if I have already been denied more than once?

You may still have options. Some applicants are approved after multiple appeals or after presenting stronger medical evidence.

Why Choose Ginsburg Law Group?

When you are unable to work because of a serious medical condition, the disability benefits you earned can be essential to supporting yourself and your family.

At Ginsburg Law Group, we understand how stressful the Social Security process can be. We take the time to evaluate your case, explain your options, and advocate for you throughout the appeals process. Our goal is to help ensure that your claim is fully developed and presented as effectively as possible.

Whether you are pursuing SSDI, SSI, or appealing a prior denial, our team is ready to help you understand your rights and navigate the next steps.

Contact a Social Security Appeals Attorney Today

If your Social Security Disability claim has been denied, don’t assume your case is over.

The appeals process offers another opportunity to present your medical evidence and pursue the benefits you may be entitled to receive.

Contact Ginsburg Law Group, P.C. today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Social Security appeals attorney. We proudly assist clients through every stage of the Social Security disability appeals process.

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📞 Call Ginsburg Law Group, PC today for a free consultation – 855-978-6564 or email Attorney John Spitale at jspitale@ginsburglawgroup.com.