Monroe Social Security Disability Appeals Attorney

Denied Social Security Disability Claims in Louisiana

In most states, including Louisiana, the vast majority of initial Social Security disability (SSD) claims are denied. For those struggling to keep up with medical bills and daily expenses while out of work, a denied SSD claim can add considerable stress and worry about the future.

If you have had your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim denied, Parker Alexander can help. Our Monroe SSD appeals attorneys have decades of legal experience navigating complex Social Security disability matters, including requesting appeals and representing clients in subsequent proceedings. We understand what is at stake, which is why we work as efficiently and effectively as possible to help you fight for the benefits you are owed.

If your SSDI or SSI claim was denied in Louisiana, contact Parker Alexander today to speak to one of our attorneys during a free, no-obligation consultation. Call (318) 625-6262.

How to Appeal a Denied SSD Claim

In Louisiana, approximately 60% of all Social Security disability claims are denied. Having your claim denied can be incredibly frustrating—but the good news is you are allowed to appeal the denial and request a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ).

It is important that you act quickly if you believe your SSD claim was unjustly denied, as you only have 60 days from the date you received your denial notice to request an appeal. Although you have 60 days to file your appeal, the sooner you take action, the better. After filing your appeal, you will likely have to wait a considerable amount of time before your hearing; in Louisiana, the average wait time between filing an appeal and receiving a Social Security disability hearing is 13 months.

Notably, Louisiana’s SSD appeals process is somewhat different than the federal SSD appeals process. In other states, the first step in appealing a denied SSD claim is to request a reconsideration. However, in Louisiana, claimants are not able to request a reconsideration and must instead skip right to requesting an ALJ hearing.

Below, we have provided a brief overview of the Louisiana denied SSD claims appeals process:

• ALJ Hearing: The first step in your appeal is requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge. Most often, this step is where the ultimate outcome of your application will be decided. You may request a hearing after receiving a Notice of Denial from the Social Security Administration (SSA), and you can make the request online or in writing. This must be done within 60 days of receiving the Notice of Denial. During the hearing, you/your attorney will present evidence supporting your claim for SSD, including applicable medical records, proof of disability, work history information, and more. After the hearing, the ALJ will provide a decision on your claim.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ upholds the denial of your claim at the ALJ hearing, you may request a review of the decision from the SSA’s Appeals Council. To do this, you must file a Request for Review of a Hearing Decision within 60 days of receiving the ALJ’s Denial Notice (after the hearing). The purpose of the Appeals Council’s review is not necessarily to determine whether you are owed benefits but, rather, to decide whether the ALJ made an error that affected his or her decision on your case. The Appeals Council may uphold the ALJ’s decision, overturn it, or grant a new hearing with an ALJ.
• Federal Court: If the Appeals Council upholds the ALJ’s decision, meaning it denies your claim, the next step you can take is appealing the decision with the federal district court. To do this, you will need to take certain steps and meet several important deadlines. These include filing your appeal within 60 days of receiving the Notice of Denial from the Appeals Council, filing a civil complaint with the appropriate court, and more. If you have not done so already, it is critical that you contact an attorney at this point.

Having an attorney by your side can greatly increase the chance of a favorable outcome. If you wish to appeal a denied Social Security disability claim, we strongly recommend that you contact our team at Parker Alexander to learn how we can help. There is no cost in speaking to a Monroe SSD appeals lawyer at our firm, and we offer same-day appointments and are available on weekends and during evening hours for your convenience.

Why Was Your SSD Claim Denied?

There are many reasons the SSA denies Social Security disability claims. Some of the most common include:

• You made a mistake on your application or during the filing process
• Your current income is too high
• Your disability/condition does not qualify
• The severity and/or longevity of your disability is disputed
• You did not provide your medical records (or other important information)
• You have not followed your doctor’s instructions

Though less common, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can also deny your claim if drug addiction/alcohol abuse is a significant contributing factor to your disability or if you have been convicted of a crime/incarcerated. The SSA may also deny your claim if it is unable to contact you and, therefore, cannot communicate with you about your claim.

Most often, claims are denied due to application mistakes and eligibility issues. At Parker Alexander, we know how to identify why your claim was denied and can determine if you may have grounds to appeal this decision.

We Are Ready to Fight for You

If you believe the Social Security Administration wrongfully denied your Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income claim, reach out to Parker Alexander today to learn how our Monroe SSD denied claims attorneys can help. Filing an appeal is a stressful, time-consuming, and legally complex process; it is important that you have a skilled and experienced legal team on your side.

Our firm is committed to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation. Our client-focused, results-driven approach has helped us not only recover millions of dollars for our clients, but it has also helped us earn a reputation in our community for effectively serving the needs of injured and disabled individuals and their families.

When you choose Parker Alexander, you don’t pay unless your result is favorable. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of excellence and integrity, and our attorneys are licensed to practice law in every court in the state of Louisiana. We can represent you throughout the SSD appeals process, from requesting an ALJ hearing to pursuing your case in federal district court.

Get started today with a free, no-risk consultation; call (318) 625-6262 or submit an online request form.