SSD Appeals
SSD Appeals Lawyer in Killeen, TX
A denied SSD claim is not the end of the process. There are four stages of appeal, each with its own 60-day deadline, and most people who eventually win benefits are approved somewhere along the way, not on the first application.
The clock
Every stage runs on a 60-day deadline.
After a denial, you generally have 60 days from the day you receive the letter to file the next appeal (SSA presumes receipt five days after the date printed on it). Missing that window can force you to start the claim over instead of continuing the appeal, so the date on the letter matters as much as its content.
Stage one and two
Reconsideration, then the ALJ hearing.
The first appeal is reconsideration: a fresh review of the file, usually strengthened with updated medical records. If that is denied, the case moves to a hearing before an administrative law judge, where most SSD approvals that come after an initial denial actually happen.
Stage three and four
Appeals Council and federal court.
If the judge denies the claim, the Appeals Council can review the decision or decline to hear it. The last option is filing suit in federal district court, where a judge reviews the full record and issues a final ruling.
Between stages
The record has to get stronger each round.
SSA rarely reverses a denial on the same evidence it already saw. New treatment notes, updated test results, a physician statement on work limitations, and a clear account of how the condition affects daily function all give the next reviewer a reason to decide differently.
How we help
What to bring to an appeals consultation
The first call should turn a confusing legal issue into a clearer next step.
- The denial letter
The date on the letter sets your appeal deadline, and the stated reason for denial often points to what evidence is missing.
- Updated medical records
New treatment, test results, prescriptions, and any change in diagnosis since the last SSA review.
- Work and function history
How the condition limits daily tasks and work, described in enough detail for a judge or reviewer to picture it.
Why Ted Smith Law Group
Ted Smith Law Group has represented Central Texans through SSD reconsiderations, ALJ hearings, and Appeals Council review, working directly with medical providers to build the record each stage requires.
- Local office in Killeen
- The firm works from its Killeen office on E. Stan Schlueter Loop.
- 1976
- Ted Smith opened his Killeen practice after Fort Hood JAG service.
- 536
- Rated 4.6 stars by 536 clients on Google.Read the reviews
“Mr Ted Smith represented me with my Social Security disability. They worked very hard to get my benefits.”
Questions
SSD Appeals FAQ.
How long do I have to appeal a denied SSD claim?
Generally 60 days from the day you receive the denial letter (SSA presumes receipt five days after the date printed on it), for each stage of the appeal. Missing that window can mean starting a new application instead of continuing the appeal, so bring the letter in as soon as you have it.
What are the four stages of an SSD appeal?
Reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, and a lawsuit in federal district court. Most claims that succeed after an initial denial are decided at the hearing stage.
Do I need new evidence for each appeal?
Yes, generally. SSA and the judge are reviewing the same file unless something has changed, so updated medical records, test results, and a clear description of your work limitations give the next stage a reason to rule differently.
What happens if the Appeals Council denies my request?
You can file a lawsuit in federal district court, the final stage of the appeals process. If all four stages are unsuccessful, you can wait the required period and reapply to the SSA.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. Ted Smith Law Group offers free consultations for SSD and SSDI matters, including appeals, at the Killeen office at 3201 E. Stan Schlueter Loop, Suite B.
Talk through your disability claim with the Killeen office.
Call or text the Killeen office and the team will get back to you, usually within one business day.
Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.