Getting the Best Results in a Social Security Disability Appeal

Filing a social security disability claim is a difficult task, but making an appeal is considered even more difficult. Aside from thinking about the claim itself, you also need to consider the reason why it was not approved in the initial application. Given these circumstances you will definitely need a disability lawyer in Los Angeles to guide you in your appeal. Here are some of the things you need to do in order to have a successful social security disability appeal:

•    Review your disability status – In order to become an eligible recipient of social security disability benefits, your disability should be included in a list made by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for their claimants. You should also be unable to perform any substantial gainful activity (SGA) to become classified as disabled.

•    Check if there are enough medical documents to verify your condition – If you lack several documents, take time to gather, verify, and include them in your appeal. Your lawyer or legal representative can do these important tasks for you.

•    Provide new proof to become an eligible recipient of disability benefits – In a reconsideration or appeals process, there should always be fresh information. Otherwise, the reviewer may just dump your application again.

•    Submit the appeal promptly – You only have a certain amount of time to file the appeal. You will not be allowed to submit the appeal if you go beyond the deadline.

•    If the appeal fails, consider your options – Once your initial application is turned down, you will have four chances to make an appeal. The first one is a reconsideration, second is a hearing, third is with the Social Security Appeals Council and the last one is in federal court.


Always remember these things when you are filing an appeal for your disability application. If you need legal help, a disability attorney in Los Angeles can always represent you in hearings or meetings. His experience, knowledge, and skills would surely become essential factors in your claim and appeal.

Every disabled individual’s top priority should be to obtain disability benefits from the SSA. However, there are still other disability benefits that he can get such as the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) from the state department and Workers Compensation from his employer. While these two benefits do not offer as much as the SSA disability benefits do, they can still be valuable for individuals who need immediate financial assistance.