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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)?

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. In a certain time frame, when they are disabled from working, they could qualify for disability benefits.

It is possible, but rare to receive benefits without any medical evidence to back up your claim. 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 by the SSA, 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. If you do not have enough current medical evidence for your claim, we can often give you information about low-income or indigent health services that can help establish a medical record for a low cost or free.

No fees, unless we win your claim! 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 back pay awarded to a claimant when we win the case. As of Summer 2024, our fee is capped at $7,200. The fee cap is set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for all representatives, and is periodically adjusted for inflation just like monthly SSD and SSI benefits. Social Security pays us directly so our claimants don’t have to write a check. If we do not win a 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 general Social Security retirement fund. However, a smaller portion goes into the general Social Security disability fund.

Contrary to popular belief, no one has an account set up with the SSA by default, even though all Americans are required to pay taxes into social security. 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. They’ll need to apply for these benefits and get approved to receive them.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a different program for disabled people and it is like a form of welfare. More specifically, it 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). To receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a claimant has to be equally disabled as a person who receives Social Security Disability (SSD) – the standard for determining disability is the same. One of the main differences 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.

It should also be noted that SSI carries much stricter income and resource qualifications for someone to get approved and maintain these benefits.

If you have any additional questions that we did not answer above, please get in touch with our team at The Law Office of Gerard Lynch. Unlike the larger Social Security disability lawyers of Houston, our office will make sure you’re treated as more than just a claim. Let our attorney review your disability claim and help you seek the peace you deserve.

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