SSD Appeals Process in Iowa

Hugh Helps With Applying for Disability in Iowa 

If you are facing a debilitating illness or injury, receiving a denial of disability benefits from the Social Security Administration can seem like an insurmountable obstacle that you have neither the experience nor energy to handle.

If you recently received a denial, contact an Iowa Social Security disability attorney as quickly as possible to start on your appeal.

Be advised that the SSA provides claimants with a limited amount of time within which to file an appeal. If you miss the deadline, you could lose your rights to a second or third review – which will require you to start the application process from scratch.

Understanding the Disability Denial Letter from SSA

If you have applied for Social Security Disability benefits and been denied, it is important to discuss 

• Non-severe medical condition - In order to qualify for benefits, you must show that the medical condition you suffered from was serious enough.
• Ability to continue to work - Your ability to work is a significant consideration when making a determination for SSA benefits. If you are still able to do your job, you may not be considered.
• Doesn't meet an impairment listing - Your disability must be classified under the SSA's list of impairments that can be found here.

If your application has been denied on the basis of anything listed above, you do not need to lose hope. The appeals process is a common step taken for successful applicants. You also don't have to go at it alone. Our firm is here to help you through the process each step of the way. Even if appealing your letter is a step.

How to Apply For a Reconsideration Following a Claim Denial

The first step after the initial denial is to apply for a reconsideration. With the help of our team at Beecher, Field, Walker, Morris, Hoffman & Johnson, PC you will resubmit the materials you submitted in the first instance for review by a group of reviewing agents who did not participate in your evaluation the first time.

You may submit additional medical evidence only if such evidence was not available to you at the time of your initial application. At this stage, you may choose whether to work with an Iowa Social Security disability attorney or file for a reconsideration on your own as this level of appeal is usually straightforward and minimally difficult.

How Much Time Do You Have to Appeal a Social Security Disability Denial?

You have 60 days after you receive the notice of the decision on your claim to ask for any type of appeal. The letter contains guidance on what level of appeal you should select.

There are four levels of appeal:

• Reconsideration. This includes a complete re-evaluation of your claim
• If a reconsideration of your claim is denied, a hearing by an administrative law judge (ALJ) will take place. The judge will look over your case again. ALJs usually grant 50% of the appeals that come to them.
• If your claim is still not accepted, it is sent to be reviewed by the Appeals Council. Usually, most claims are accepted if there were procedure issues.
• If your claim was not approved by the Appeals Council, it is sent to the Federal Court for review. For the court hearing regarding your claim you will need an attorney representative.

Hugh is here to help you throughout all the levels of the appeal process. Call us today to talk to an experienced SSD attorney who is more than happy to look over your case!

How Long Does an SSD Appeal Take?

The SSD appeal process may take anywhere from several months to one to two years, especially if multiple levels of appeals are necessary for your situation. Even scheduling an administrative hearing and receiving a decision may take over a year because the judge typically takes several months to issue a decision after the hearing is held.

Unfortunately, there are no ways to expedite the appeal, however, it is important to avoid mistakes to ensure that you avoid unnecessary delays. If you need to appeal an SSD denial, be sure to work with an Iowa SSD appeal attorney – the guidance can be invaluable.