Established Lawyers Help you Appeal a Social Security Disability or SSI Denial

Knowledgeable attorneys in Bristol, Tennessee give filers an edge

If the Social Security Administration has denied your initial application for Social Security Disability benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income, you are not alone. SSA evaluators deny about 70 percent of first-time applicants. However, you should be aware that the appeals process can be confusing and the deadlines with demands for documentation come quickly. That’s why it’s often a good idea to consult a knowledgeable and experienced SSD/SSI attorney for your appeal. At Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, PC, we can guide you through every stage of the appeals process, saving you time, frustration, and expense. We make sure you are fully informed, but most importantly, we present your case clearly in the precise language and detail that various evaluators, administrators and judges need to recommend approval.

Bristol SSD & SSI attorneys take you through the appeals process

If your Social Security disability claim is denied, the SSA offers several opportunities to demonstrate that you satisfy the SSD requirements. There are four levels of appeal:

  • Request for reconsideration —The SSA conducts a complete reconsideration of your application, along with any new evidence you submit to bolster your claim. Your file goes to a new evaluator who did not take part in the initial consideration.
  • Administrative law judge hearing — If the reconsideration does not yield a positive result, you may ask for an administrative law judge to conduct a hearing on your SSD claim. The hearing allows you to introduce evidence, such as the testimony of medical and vocational experts who support your claim for disability. The SSA also submits evidence to support its prior decision.
  • Review by the Appeals Council — If you disagree with the hearing decision, you may file for review with the Social Security Appeals Council. The council is not required to grant a review, but if it decides to hear your case, it can issue a decision approving or denying your claim, or it may order the administrative law judge to conduct another hearing.
  • Federal court review — The final option involves filing a lawsuit in federal court. The litigation proceeds in the form of a civil lawsuit.

While the SSA conducts the initial “reconsideration” level, the other three appeals involve the court system. Each phase of the SSD appeals process has stringent deadlines. For example, if you disagree with the SSA’s initial denial, you must appeal the decision in writing within 60 days of receiving your denial letter.

At Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, PC, our seasoned SSD lawyers have the knowledge and resources to analyze complex medical documents. We are experienced litigators who understand how to question expert witnesses and argue persuasively on your behalf. We are also one of the few firms in the Tri-Cities who assist eligible claimants with their original SSD paperwork and navigate the claim through the entire process up to and including the Appeals Council level.

Contact our Bristol, Tennessee law firm for help appealing your SSD claim

If SSA has denied your disability claim, you need an experienced lawyer on your side who can guide you through the appeals process. Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, PC diligently pursues your SSD and/or SSI appeal to the final approval. Call us today at 423-797-6022 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation. Our office is conveniently located in Bristol, and we also make hospital or home visits.