Clarksville Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSA) Lawyer

When you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic or debilitating medical condition, the overwhelming feeling of uncertainty and fear about the future can cloud your ability to think clearly about your options. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are a valuable source of financial support for millions of people living with disabilities in Tennessee and elsewhere in the United States.

The difficulty with receiving SSDI benefits lies in the claims process. Confusing, stringent requirements and a complex application system make qualifying for benefits seem impossible. SSDI lawyer Daniel Martin has been helping people navigate the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) challenging processes since 2011, first as a paralegal and most recently as a disability lawyer. He has the in-depth experience and thorough understanding of SSDI claims that his clients need when going through such a pivotal point in their lives.

Denied SSDI Claims and the Appeals Process

Only slightly more than 1/3 of initial SSDI claims are approved, which means the vast majority of applicants face intimidating and lengthy appeals if they have any hope of receiving the benefits they need. If your claim was denied, it may not be based on your medical condition. Even missing one key detail or question on your application can result in a denial.

With that said, there are strict eligibility criteria, including the severity of your illness or injury and your work history. Most applicants must have at least 40 work credits, with 20 of those gained in the last ten years, in order to qualify for SSDI benefits. Your condition must also be severe enough to be considered a disability according to the SSA’s definition. If you have met both of these criteria, your denial could be due to an incomplete or incorrect application. It’s also possible that your claim was not thorough enough to fully relay the severity of your condition.

Regardless of the reasons you were denied SSDI benefits, the appeals process is available to give you another chance. It’s a good idea to consult with a Social Security disability lawyer to find someone you feel confident and comfortable with. Appealing an SSDI denial can be a months- or years-long process, so it’s crucial that every aspect of your appeal is done correctly to avoid further delays.

Stages of an SSDI Appeal

There are four levels in the SSDI appeals process, each stage giving applicants an opportunity to state their case and establish their need for benefits.

SSDI Appeal Level One: Reconsideration

When you request reconsideration, the SSA will assign your case to someone who has not seen it before. You can submit new documentation and additional information if you feel that will help support your claim. After your claim is reviewed by an SSA employee who was not involved in the first denial decision, you will receive a second decision notification.

SSDI Appeal Level Two: Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge

If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Some appeals at this stage take over a year to get a hearing date. You can present evidence and have expert witnesses testify at your hearing.

SSDI Appeal Level Three: Appeals Council Review

In the event your administrative hearing results in another denial, the next step is to request a review by the Social Security Appeals Council. You must submit your request for review within 60 days of receiving the judge’s decision. This step is not guaranteed; the Appeals Council may deny your request for review. In some cases, the Council returns the case to the judge for further consideration.

SSDI Appeal Level Four: Federal Court Review

The final avenue for appeal is to file a lawsuit in federal district court. Because filing a lawsuit and building a strong case is a highly complex undertaking, it’s strongly recommended that you work with a Social Security lawyer if you haven’t already.

Experienced SSDI Attorney in Clarksville, TN

At the Law Office of Daniel Martin, our SSA lawyer has a solid foundational understanding of the ins and outs of disability claims. Our goal is to make our clients feel comfortable, understood, and supported so the claims and appeals processes create as little additional stress as possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with SSDI attorney Daniel Martin.