Denied disability claim?
Overview of next steps:
- Carefully read your denial letter to understand why the claim was rejected.
- File your appeal before the 60-day deadline (do not fill out a new application) – make sure to update all the information on any medical treatment or procedures you’ve had.
- Keep notes on your daily symptoms.
- Contact your Social Security Disability Attorney David L. Hood to help you gather more medical evidence and correct any missing information.
If you’ve been denied after filing a claim for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you may feel scared and unsure about what to do next. You have worked hard, and now you need help because you cannot work due to serious health conditions. A denial can feel like a major setback, but you are not alone. Many South Carolina residents receive a denied disability claim the first time they apply for Social Security Disability benefits.
The good news is a denied disability claim is not the end. You still have options. In fact, many people are approved later in the appeals process. This guide explains the important steps to take after a denied disability claim and how attorney David L. Hood and his co-counsel legal team can help you fight for the benefits you need.
Social Security denial statistics in the US
Most SSD claimants receive a notice of denial after filing a claim. Statistically speaking, the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies initial SSD claims at a rate of 62% to 78%, and reconsiderations (the initial stage of appeals) have an even higher denial rate of 84%.
After you find out your claim has been denied, you may be feeling frustrated, stressed, and anxious. But one thing you shouldn’t feel is hopeless. Even if the statistics regarding SSD claim denials seem discouraging, it’s important to remember that you’re not a statistic. Your case is unique. And just because some appeals are denied at an 84% rate doesn’t mean that your particular case has an 84% chance of being denied.
However, if you want your Social Security Disability appeal to have the best chance of success, it’s important to understand the next steps you need to take and what you can do differently this time around.
Next Steps
Step 1: Carefully Read Your Denial Letter
The denial notice you received from the SSA should contain a summary of your medical conditions and impediments as well as the medical and non-medical records the SSA considered in rendering its decisions. The denial notice should also contain an explanation for your denial.
Why are Social Security Disability claims denied?
Some of the most common reasons Social Security Disability claims are denied:
- You don’t meet the basic non-medical requirements (also called a technical denial).
- Your medical condition won’t last long enough or isn’t severe enough.
- You failed to follow the treatment plan your doctor prescribed.
- You refused to cooperate with the SSA, including providing your medical history and attending any exams that they requested you attend.
- The SSA can’t find you or get in touch with you.
- Your disability is related to substance abuse issues.
- There’s not enough medical evidence to support your claim.
Your denial notice may also include a “technical rationale,” which is a detailed explanation of the factors that caused the SSA to deny your claim. If the denial notice you received doesn’t include a rationale, make sure to request your file from the Social Security Administration so you can find out this information. Understanding why your claim was initially denied is crucial if you want to give your appeal a chance to succeed.
Step 2: File Your Appeal Quickly – Do NOT Start a New Claim
You have 60 days (plus five for mailing) to file an appeal after a denied disability claim. If you miss the deadline, you may have to start over, which could delay benefits for a long time.
Do not wait — take action immediately.
Many people think filing a new claim is easier — but that’s usually a mistake. A new claim could cause delays or even weaken your case, and could cause you to lose:
- Your earlier filing date
- Months or years of possible backpay
An appeal protects your rights.
The appeals process has four basic levels:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
- Review by the Appeals Council
- Federal Court
Step 3: Gather and Add Strong Medical Evidence
Medical proof is the heart of any disability claim. After a denial, your South Carolina disability attorney should be able to help you:
- Give Social Security the information they need to get updated medical records,
- Provide specialized forms for your doctors to document limitations,
- Verify that test results and specialist reports are part of your file,
- Work with you to show how your condition affects daily life,
- Put all the evidence together demonstrating that you cannot work in any full-time job.
If a doctor has stopped treating you, try to restart care right away. The SSA wants to see ongoing treatment. Gaps in treatment can hurt your appeal.
Step 4: Be Honest About Your Limitations
Some people try to stay strong and hide their pain. But during a disability claim, that can hurt your case.
Keep Notes on Your Daily Symptoms
Write down:
- Pain levels and changes in your condition
- Mental health struggles
- Medication side effects
- Challenges with basic daily activities
Personal details can show why your denied disability claim should be approved.
Tell your doctors and the SSA exactly how your condition affects:
- Working
- Standing or walking
- Lifting or using your hands
- Remembering or focusing
- Sleeping or caring for yourself
Your symptoms may not show up on a medical test, but they still matter.
Step 5: Keep Following Your Doctor’s Orders
If you skip appointments or ignore treatment recommendations, the SSA may think your condition is not serious. Follow your care plan as best you can. If you cannot afford treatment, tell your lawyer — they may be able to think of how you may be able to find find low-cost options.
Step 6: Work With a South Carolina Disability Attorney
Trying to fix a denied disability claim alone can feel overwhelming. The rules are complicated, and simple mistakes can lead to another denial. An experienced attorney should know how to:
- File your appeal on time,
- Prepare evidence and paperwork correctly,
- Help you communicate with medical providers and the SSA,
- Represent you at a hearing,
- Fight for full benefits.
Most Social Security disability attorneys only get paid if you win your case. There are no upfront costs to hire The Law Offices of David L. Hood.
RELATED: 5 Reasons to Hire a Lawyer for Your SSD Claim
Don’t Give Up — Help Is Available Throughout South Carolina
A denied disability claim does not mean necessarily you are not disabled. It may simply mean that the SSA needs more information.
The Law Offices of David L. Hood has helped disabled workers across the Palmetto State for more than 30 years, including:
- Charleston
- Georgetown
- Murrells Inlet
- Myrtle Beach
- North Charleston
- North Myrtle Beach
- And surrounding communities
Wherever you live in SC, our legal team is ready to assist.
We understand the local Social Security offices, judges, and hearing system. We are here to fight for you and your benefits!
Common Questions After a Denial
Q: Does a denial mean I’ll never get benefits?
A: No. Denials are common, and many people are eventually approved.
Q: Can I work while appealing?
A: It depends. Limited part-time work may be allowed, but earning too much can harm your claim. Ask your lawyer before working.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: Appeals can take months, especially if a hearing is needed. Starting right away is your best move.
Key Takeaways: What to Do After a Denied SSD Claim
- Most disability claims in South Carolina are denied the first time — but many people are approved after an appeal.
- You only have 60 days (plus five for mailing) to appeal a denied disability claim, so act quickly.
- Strong medical evidence is the most important part of a successful appeal.
- Keep seeing your medical providers and ask them to fill out forms supporting your disability.
- Generally, you do not want to start a new claim — filing an appeal protects your original filing date and backpay rights.
- Track your symptoms and how they impact your daily life to help show why you can’t work.
- A South Carolina Social Security disability attorney can guide you through the appeal process and improve your chances of winning benefits.
How Can a South Carolina Social Security Disability Attorney Help?
Appealing a denied disability claim can be stressful and confusing. But you don’t have to do it alone.
An experienced disability lawyer can:
- Handle the critical paperwork and deadlines,
- Help you gather the right medical evidence,
- Represent you during hearings
- Fight for your benefits and backpay
And you don’t pay anything upfront — we only get paid if you win.
Free Consultation — The Law Offices of David L. Hood
If your Social Security disability claim was denied, contact us today to protect your right to benefits.
Recognized for Excellence in South Carolina
The Law Offices of David L. Hood is proud to be recognized for our dedication to helping injured and disabled people across South Carolina. Our firm has earned multiple honors over the years, including client satisfaction awards as well as recognition by respected legal organizations including America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys, and Nation’s Top One Percent in the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. These awards show our long-standing commitment to treating every client with compassion, attention, and respect. When you choose our team to help with your denied disability claim, you can feel confident that you have an experienced and highly trusted advocate fighting for your rights.
