A denial letter from the Social Security Administration is not the end of the road. Most first-time SSD applications are denied, and there is a clear, time-limited path to appeal.
The Social Security Administration denies the majority of initial disability applications, not because the underlying condition is invalid, but because the paperwork does not yet prove the case the way SSA's rules require. A denial usually means the medical record on file did not clearly show that the condition meets SSA's definition of disability, that the applicant's income exceeded the substantial gainful activity limit, or that a requested medical exam or form was missed or returned late. Sometimes the file simply lacks a clear statement, in a treating doctor's own words, describing exactly what the claimant can no longer do at work. Reviewing SSA's own disability criteria (see Sources below) is the starting point for understanding whether your file was thin on documentation or the claim needs to be built differently on appeal. For Harker Heights residents commuting into Killeen for medical care, or traveling on post to Fort Hood (formerly Fort Cavazos) treatment facilities, gaps or inconsistencies in that treatment history are one of the most common reasons SSA reviewers send a denial instead of an approval on the first try.
You have 60 days to appeal, not 60 days to think it over
A denial notice states the appeal deadline and available next step. SSA generally allows 60 days after receipt to request reconsideration or, after reconsideration, a hearing. Review the notice promptly; if the deadline has passed, ask whether SSA will accept a written good-cause explanation.
Reconsideration, then a hearing, if it comes to that
The first level of appeal is reconsideration: a fresh review of your file, including any new medical evidence you submit, by a different SSA examiner than the one who issued the original denial. Reconsideration follows largely the same process as the initial application; there is no hearing or judge at this stage, just a second look at a more complete record. If reconsideration is also denied, the next step is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, who independently reviews the file, hears live testimony, and in some cases calls a vocational or medical expert to speak to your ability to work. Hearings can be held in person, by phone, online video, or agency video, depending on scheduling. If the ALJ hearing also results in a denial, the case can move to the SSA Appeals Council and, after that, federal court, though each stage narrows and slows. Building a stronger file before reconsideration, rather than waiting until the hearing, is often the difference between a faster approval and a much longer wait through multiple appeal levels.
How Ted Smith Law Group handles a denial
The review starts with the denial notice and the SSA file. The firm identifies whether the issue is medical or non-medical, checks the deadline, gathers available treatment evidence, and files the appropriate appeal. Hearing preparation focuses on the medical record, work history, and claimed limitations.
What to have ready before you call
Bring the denial notice, a list of treating providers, current medications, and a basic timeline of when the condition began affecting work.
Local, established, and still answering the phone
Ted Smith Law Group has practiced in Central Texas since 1976, and our Killeen office is a short drive from Harker Heights along the same corridor most residents already use for work, medical appointments, and errands. We are rated 4.6 stars across 536 Google reviews from Central Texas clients. If SSA has denied your claim, call (254) 690-5688 to talk through what happened and what the appeal looks like from here.
What to prepare
The first call should turn a confusing legal issue into a clearer next step.
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Decision letters
Bring any SSA letters, the denial reason if there is one, and the current claim stage.
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Medical record
Treatment providers, tests, prescriptions, and how the condition limits work.
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Work history
Jobs, dates, and duties matter to SSDI; income and resources matter to SSI.
Why Ted Smith Law Group
Ted finds special meaning in assisting families and individuals with their Social Security Disability claims. Clients get his special attention in all the phases of this complex process: building, documenting and filing the best possible case, from the right medical sources.
Killeen
The firm works from its Killeen office on E. Stan Schlueter Loop.
1976
Ted Smith opened his Killeen practice after Fort Hood JAG service.
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“The Ted Smith Law group helped me with my SSDI case. It was a lengthy process and they were there all the way through. They kept me up to date on what was needed to be done and documents that needed to be completed.”
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Why was my SSD claim denied if I really can't work?
A denial is usually a documentation problem, not a judgment that your condition isn't real. Common reasons include medical records that don't clearly connect your diagnosis to specific work limitations, income above SSA's substantial gainful activity limit, or a missed form or exam. Reviewing the exact denial reason with an attorney is the first step to fixing it on appeal.
How long do I have to appeal a denied SSD claim?
Generally 60 days from the date you receive the denial notice to file a request for reconsideration, and another 60 days if reconsideration is denied and you want to request a hearing. Acting quickly after the letter arrives preserves your original filing date and any back pay tied to it.
What happens if I miss the appeal deadline?
SSA can require you to file an entirely new application rather than continue the appeal, which usually means losing your original filing date and restarting the medical and financial review from the beginning. If you believe you have good cause for missing the deadline, tell SSA in writing right away.
Does Ted Smith Law Group charge for a consultation after a denial?
No. Consultations are free. Call (254) 690-5688 and we will go over your denial letter, explain the appeal stage you are at, and outline next steps.
Talk through your disability claim with the Killeen office
Contact the office to discuss your legal matter and the next step.
