If your Social Security Disability claim was denied, you’re not alone and it doesn’t mean you don’t qualify. Many Lansing residents receive denial letters after applying, often because of incomplete forms, missing medical evidence, or simple mistakes. But this isn’t the end of the road. You have the right to appeal, and taking the right next steps can make all the difference. This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a denial, how the appeals process works, and when to consider legal help with your disability claim in Lansing.
Why Are So Many SSD Claims Denied in Lansing?
Nationwide, about two-thirds of initial Social Security Disability claims are denied, and Michigan sees similar numbers. If you were recently denied, you’re far from alone. Many denials aren’t based on whether someone is truly disabled, they’re based on technical issues or missing information.
Some of the most common reasons for SSD denials include:
- Incomplete or inaccurate application forms
- Missing or outdated medical records
- Lack of a formal diagnosis or test results
- No Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form from a treating doctor
- Failure to follow through with required treatments or appointments
- Earning too much money to qualify under SSDI or SSI rules
Many Lansing residents are denied not because they don’t qualify but because they didn’t know how to prove it on paper or simply made a mistake.
💬 Clark Insight: We see many clients who were denied simply because the paperwork was incomplete or missing medical detail. Most of them had valid claims, they just didn’t know how to present them the right way.
What You Should Do Immediately After a Denial Letter
The most important thing to remember after receiving a denial is this. You have a limited window to act. The Social Security Administration gives you only 60 days from the date of your denial notice to file an appeal.
Before you do anything else, carefully review the denial letter. It will explain why your claim was rejected, what evidence was missing, or whether the SSA found you not disabled under their rules.
Reapplying from scratch is usually a mistake. Instead, your best chance is to appeal the decision and strengthen your case with better evidence.
📋 Table: Key Steps After an SSD Denial Letter
| 📬 Step | 📝 What to Do | ⏰ Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Review the denial reason | Read your SSA letter carefully and note why you were denied | Immediately |
| File a Request for Reconsideration | Submit form SSA-561 and update your disability report | Within 60 days |
| Gather additional evidence | Request updated medical records and RFC forms from your doctor | Before your hearing |
| Contact a disability lawyer | Get legal help to avoid costly mistakes and missed deadlines | As soon as possible |
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Appealing on your own is possible, but even small errors can hurt your chances and time is not on your side.
Yes, you can technically appeal a denied Social Security Disability claim on your own. But most people quickly realize that navigating the appeals process without legal help is far more complicated than it seems.
Here’s what often goes wrong when people try to handle it alone:
- Forms like the SSA-561 or SSA-3441 get filled out incorrectly
- Critical medical records are missing or outdated
- The applicant doesn’t include an RFC form or doctor’s narrative
- Deadlines are missed, or follow-up documentation is never submitted
Even one of these issues can be enough to result in another denial and it often is.
⚠️ How a Missed RFC Form Nearly Cost Him His Benefits – A Lansing resident applied for SSDI after a back injury left him unable to work. He handled the appeal himself and submitted doctor’s visit summaries, thinking that was enough. But he never included imaging results or a completed RFC form. His appeal was denied again. When he contacted our office, we helped him build a stronger case, coordinate with his physician, and represent him at the hearing. He was approved for full benefits a few months later.
What Happens During the SSD Appeal Process
If your initial SSD application is denied, you have the right to appeal but it is not a quick or simple process. The Social Security Administration uses a multi-step review system that can take many months, or even years, to complete. Understanding what happens at each stage can help you stay focused, avoid common mistakes, and prepare for what comes next.
Most people are not approved during the first appeal. In fact, many claims are only approved after a hearing before an administrative law judge. This means it is important to stay persistent and build the strongest case possible along the way.
📊 Table: SSD Appeal Stages Explained
| ⚖️ Stage | 🔍 What It Involves | ⏳ How Long It Takes |
|---|---|---|
| Reconsideration | A new claims examiner reviews your file and any updated records | 3 to 6 months |
| ALJ Hearing | You testify before an administrative law judge, often with a vocational expert present | 8 to 14 months |
| Appeals Council | SSA reviews the judge’s decision for legal or procedural errors | Several months to a year |
| Federal Court | A civil lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court | 12 months or longer |
At every level, you have the opportunity to submit new medical records, clarify your limitations, and make your case stronger. But without the right documentation or support, delays and second denials are common.
If your case reaches the hearing stage, having a disability lawyer can be critical. Your attorney can help you prepare testimony, cross-examine the SSA’s vocational expert, and present legal arguments on your behalf.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning the Appeal
Most successful SSD appeals are not about telling a more emotional story, they are about providing stronger medical proof. If you want to increase your chances of getting approved the second time around, you need to focus on objective evidence that clearly supports your disability.
Here are the most effective ways to strengthen your appeal:
- Update all of your medical records from every doctor, hospital, or specialist you’ve seen
- Ask your treating physician to complete a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form explaining your specific limitations
- Follow through with all prescribed treatments or therapies to show that you’re doing your part
- Include detailed statements from family, coworkers, or others who can speak to how your condition affects daily life
- Be consistent. Make sure your paperwork, medical records, and personal testimony all tell the same story
It is not enough to say you cannot work, you must show it in a way that fits the SSA’s criteria. Every form, appointment, and piece of evidence matters.
💬 Clark Insight: One of the best things you can do is ask your doctor to complete a residual functional capacity form. Judges rely on it heavily. Without it, they often assume your limitations are less severe than they really are.
When to Contact a Lansing Social Security Lawyer
You are not required to hire a lawyer to file an appeal, but having legal representation often makes a significant difference. According to national SSA data, applicants who work with a lawyer are more likely to be approved than those who go it alone.
A local disability lawyer can help you:
- Identify exactly why your claim was denied
- Gather and organize the medical evidence needed to support your appeal
- Prepare your testimony and pre-hearing statement
- Cross-examine the SSA’s vocational expert at your hearing
- Avoid missed deadlines, incomplete forms, or technical rejections
Another benefit is that there are no upfront fees. SSD lawyers work on contingency, meaning you only pay if you win and the fees are capped by federal law.
If you received a denial letter and are unsure what to do next, speaking with a Lansing social security disability lawyer may be your best next step. Acting quickly protects your rights and gives your case the best possible chance of success.
Frequently Asked Questions About SSD Denials in Lansing
What should I do first if my SSD claim was denied?
Start by reading your denial letter carefully. It will explain the reason for the denial and give you 60 days to file an appeal. Don’t ignore the deadline, and avoid reapplying without appealing.
Should I reapply or appeal my denied SSD claim?
In most cases, you should file an appeal rather than start over. Reapplying can reset the process and delay your benefits even longer. An appeal allows you to build on your original claim.
Can I still appeal if I missed the 60-day deadline?
You may be able to request an extension, but only if you have a valid reason, such as a medical emergency or serious illness. If the SSA denies your extension request, you may have to start a new claim.
How long does it take to win an appeal?
The full SSD appeal process can take anywhere from several months to more than a year, depending on how far your case goes. Most people wait at least 8 to 14 months before receiving a hearing date.
How much does it cost to hire a disability lawyer?
There are no upfront costs. If you win, your lawyer is paid directly by the SSA, usually 25% of your backpay, up to a federally capped amount. If you don’t win, you don’t owe any legal fees.
Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a Social Security appeal?
Yes. Statistics show that claimants with legal representation are more likely to be approved, especially at the hearing level. A lawyer can help you avoid mistakes and present a stronger case.
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