We Can Help You Appeal A Denied Social Security Disability Claim

If your application for SSD or SSI benefits has been denied, don’t worry. Historically, most claims are denied initially. At Harlan Still & Koch, our Columbia SSD appeals attorneys will guide you through the entire appeals process one step at a time. We strive to make the process simple and transparent for you, providing the dedicated advocacy and personal attention you can count on.

Navigating SSD And SSI Appeals: We Will Go As Far As Necessary

We will help you navigate each stage of the appeals process, taking your claim as far as necessary to obtain the benefits you need:

• Hearing: If your initial application is denied, you will have the opportunity to present your case at an administrative hearing. We will help you gather any additional medical evidence, prepare your testimony and prepare you for the hearing in advance so you will be able to effectively present your case to the Social Security administrative law judge.
• Additional appeals: If the judge denies your request for benefits, we will review your claim to see if an appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council in Falls Church, Virginia, is appropriate. If denied by the Appeals Council, we will seek appeal through filing a suit against the Social Security Administration in federal court, if it is in your best interests to do so.

Because SSD and SSI claims are built upon medical documentation, having detailed medical records can mean the difference between obtaining benefits and denial. If you are worried about health care costs, we can advise you on the many resources available in the Columbia area to help you. Our firm has helped people throughout central Missouri since 1978, and we are well-known to health care providers who specialize in helping those with limited resources.

Why You Need An Attorney To Appeal A Denied SSD Or SSI Claim

Getting denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can be devastating. Many applicants already face financial hardship, and after enduring the long process of applying, receiving a rejection can feel like a dead end. However, overcoming a denied claim is very possible – especially with the help of an experienced attorney

Here is how a skilled SSD/SSI attorney can make a difference:

• They can help you understand why your claim was denied: One of the biggest challenges people face is understanding why their SSD/SSI claim was denied. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict criteria, and their reasoning for a denial can be complicated. An attorney can identify the specifics behind a denial and develop a strategy to address them.
• They can make sure that critical deadlines are met during appeals: If you miss the timeline for filing an appeal, you have to start your claim over from the beginning. That not only costs additional time, but it also takes money out of your pockets once your claim is finally approved. When you appeal a denied claim, you are not just fighting for future benefits – you are also fighting for back pay from the date you originally applied, which can be a significant sum.
• They can navigate each stage of your appeal: There is a lot of paperwork that must be filed with an appeal, and an attorney can make sure that it is all filed correctly. In addition, they can explain the appeals process to you with clarity, so you understand what to expect at every step.
• They can challenge SSA’s vocational experts: If your claim goes to a Hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), it may be critical to debunk the claims of the vocational expert used by the Social Security Administration to deny your claim. It takes skill and training to pick apart their arguments and show the flaws in their logic.

If your SSD/SSI claim was denied, do not give up. Get the help you need, instead. A denied claim is not the end of the road – it is just a hurdle that you have to overcome. Hiring the right attorney significantly improves your chances of success and securing the benefits you need and deserve.

We Provide The Support You Need

Unfortunately, many people give up and do not appeal their claims. We know that many people who seek qualified help have a better chance of obtaining the benefits they need. Don’t give up. We can help. Contact us at 1-800-483-1789 or send us an email to schedule a free initial consultation.