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Discover Houston’s Social Security Disability Appeal Lawyers

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Being denied Social Security disability benefits on your first try is more common than you might think, especially when applying without legal assistance. But don’t lose hope – a skilled Social Security disability appeal lawyer can significantly improve your chances during the appeal process.

Discover Houston’s Social Security Disability Appeal Lawyers

Understanding Why Disability Claims Get Denied

There are several reasons why initial applications for Social Security disability benefits might be rejected by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Common causes include:

  • Insufficient Medical Evidence: Often, claims are denied because the medical records submitted don’t sufficiently prove the severity of the medical condition.
  • Incomplete Application: Missing information or documentation in initial applications can lead to a denial.
  • Non-compliance With Treatment: If medical records indicate that you’re not following prescribed treatment, this can affect your claim.
  • Income and Resources: Exceeding the income or resource limits set by the SSA for SSI claims.

The Emotional and Financial Impact of a Denial

A denial can be more than just a bureaucratic hurdle; it can have a profound emotional and financial impact. People with disabling conditions often face mounting medical bills and a reduced capacity to earn an income. A denial adds to this stress, making it even more challenging to manage one’s health and financial well-being.

The Critical Role of a Disability Lawyer in Appeals

Filing an appeal after your claim is denied is a complex process that involves several stages. A skilled lawyer for Social Security disability appeal can make a significant difference:

  • Reconsideration Phase: Your attorney can help in gathering additional medical evidence and thoroughly reviewing your initial application to address any deficiencies.
  • ALJ Hearing: If reconsideration is unsuccessful, requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is the next step. A disability lawyer can represent you, prepare you for questioning, and cross-examine witnesses.
  • Appeals Council and Federal District Court: If the ALJ hearing doesn’t go in your favor, your lawyer can escalate the appeal to the Appeals Council and, if necessary, to the Federal District Court.

Choosing The Right Disability Denial Attorney In Houston

When your Social Security disability claim gets turned down, picking the right lawyer to help you appeal is super important. A great disability lawyer can help change a “no” into a “yes.” Let’s talk about what makes a disability lawyer good at their job.

1. Knowledgeable About Disability Law

A lawyer who’s an expert in Social Security disability law will know all the rules and ways to help you. They get how the system works and can find the best way to make your appeal strong.

2. A Winning Reputation

You want a lawyer or law firm that has won lots of appeals. If they’ve been successful before, it means they know how to win cases like yours.

3. Obtains Thorough Medical Evidence

The best disability lawyers know a lot about medical stuff and why it’s important for your case. They’re good at using medical information to show how your disability affects your work.

4. Talks Clearly and Listens To You

Your lawyer should be able to explain things in a way that’s easy to understand. They should keep you updated and answer any questions you have. Good communication means you always know what’s happening.

5. Cares and Understands

Dealing with a disability claim can be tough. A kind and understanding lawyer can make it easier. They should care about your situation and want to help.

6. Good at Arguing Your Case

If you have to go to court, you need a lawyer who’s great at arguing and dealing with tough situations. They should be able to make a really strong case for you.

7. Pays Attention to Details

Disability law is all about the small stuff. Your lawyer should be organized and not miss any important paperwork or deadlines.

8. Well-Respected and Professional

A lawyer with a good reputation is a good choice. You want someone who’s known for being professional and looking after their clients.

9. Knows Your Area

A lawyer who knows about the judges and the way things work where you live can be really helpful. They can use this knowledge to help your case.

Choosing the right Social Security disability appeal attorney is super important. Make sure they have these qualities to give you the best chance of winning your appeal.

Starting Your Appeal With Our Houston Social Security Disability Attorney

If your application for Social Security disability benefits has been denied, it’s important to act quickly. The Law Office of Gerard Lynch specializes in Social Security disability law, offering compassionate and expert assistance in filing an appeal. Our team understands the intricacies of applying for Social Security disability and the common reasons claims are denied. We can provide the best strategies for requesting an appeal and succeeding at the ALJ hearing.

Don’t let a Social Security disability denial end your pursuit of the benefits you need. Reach out to us for a detailed evaluation of your case and let our dedicated team guide you through the appeal process.

Client Testimonials

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This case was my first time hiring a lawyer but I am glad that the attorney I chose worked diligently with me to help me get the results I was looking for. I am confident in letting the law offices of Gerard Lynch handle my business when needed, and I will be contacting this office when or is there is another matter that I need handled. I, Alexander Foster, am very satisfied with the outcome of my case. The Law Office of Gerard Lynch and I worked together and we achieved the goal that we were striving for. I am so thankful.

Alexander Foster,
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The best and foremost compliment I can give this firm is the fact that I didn't have to come in to the office and overall my case was handled very expeditiously. Thanks for a job well done on my behalf.

Kathy Brown,
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We need more lawyers like Mr. Lynch with an understanding heart and mind. May God bless you and your staff. I enjoyed working with Mr. Lynch and thank you so very much.

M. Robertson,

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be disabled permanently to receive Social Security Disability (SSD)?

No you do not. A claimant needs to be disabled for at least 12 months or have a medical condition that is terminal or expected to lead to death. Sometimes a claimant is not disabled permanently but has a certain time frame in which they are disabled from working. For example, a claimant may get into a car accident, need to have multiple surgeries and is out of work for at least one year. That claimant can receive benefits for the period before he or she returned back to work.

It is possible but rare. In a SSD case, medical records are your evidence and that is the proof you have to show the SSA and an social security judge that you do have a severe medical condition that keeps you from working. If you do not have recent medical records, it is much harder to win a case. There is a possibility, though not common, that your case might be approved simply by going to a consultative exam that SSA sends you to, where a doctor gives you a physical or mental examination.

One benefit of working with our office is that we will look carefully at your case and if you do not have enough or current medical records, we can often give you information about low-income or indigent health services where you can go and get medical treatment for free or greatly reduced cost.

Our law firm, the Law Office of Gerard Lynch, only charges our clients if we win their SSD or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. We charge on a contingency basis, 25% of the backpay, a cap of up to $6000, awarded to a claimant when we win the case. The fees are regulated by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If we do not win their case, we do not charge anything no matter how much work we have done. Once a client wins and their monthly checks begin, they will keep 100% of their checks.

Social Security Disability (SSD) comes from FICA taxes that are deducted from paychecks during the work history of a person. Every month that a person works and reports income to the government, taxes are deducted which are paid into social security. When FICA taxes are taken out of paychecks, most of it goes into the social security retirement fund. However, a smaller portion goes into the social security disability fund. People who become disabled over their lifetime and are not yet eligible to get their full age retirement benefits can get benefits from the disability fund. One difference between Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is that Social Security Disability (SSD) is like social security retirement – it does not matter how much money a person has or how many assets they have.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a different program for disabled people and it is like a form of welfare. Like food stamps, if you have too much money, assets or property, then you will be ineligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) even if you are clearly disabled. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people who are either too young to have paid enough into the system or have not worked recently enough to receive Social Security Disability (SSD). The benefits given to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claimants come from the general US government fund. To receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a claimant has to be equally disabled to a person who receives Social Security Disability (SSD) – the standard for determining disability are the same. The only difference in deciding which claimant receives Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) comes from the amount of money paid into the social security system over one’s lifetime.

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