First Step After Losing Your Hearing: Identifying the Problem
Many possible signs point to why you might have lost your disability hearing. Sometimes judges are clear about it in your hearing. Other times they don’t say much until they file their decision later.
A judge could deny you because of any number of common weaknesses in disability claims:
- They’re unconvinced by your medical evidence. It takes thorough, up-to-date medical records to win a Social Security Disability claim.
- They think you didn’t follow doctors’ treatment plans. Disability judges want to see that you’re serious about managing your medical condition and keeping up with treatment.
- Your testimony differed from other information in your case file. Judges look for consistent information from you. They may not like it if something you said conflicts with other documents in your case.
- The judge believes you can still hold some kind of job. The main qualification for Social Security Disability is being unable to work, so if the judge thinks you can work, they may turn you down.
- You struggle with alcohol or drugs. This doesn’t automatically disqualify you for benefits, but sometimes a judge may view substance abuse as standing in the way of your ability to heal and go back to work.
For the sake of the next step in your disability appeal, however, there’s another important, possible sign of why you lost your disability hearing: The judge could have simply made a mistake.
You need legal expertise to spot this.
An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can interpret what the judge says about why they denied you. But they can also examine whether the judge didn’t follow proper procedures, didn’t account for crucial evidence, or misinterpreted Social Security Disability laws.
Your disability attorney studies the judge’s decision and finds a path forward for you.
Move fast, because you’ll need to file your next appeal soon. Talk to the Troutman & Troutman disability lawyers in a FREE CONSULTATION.
How to Continue Your Disability Claim after a Judge Denies You
When you receive a denial from the judge, you still have options to appeal the decision and continue fighting for the benefits you deserve; it doesn’t mean your claim is over.
At Troutman & Troutman, we guide our clients through the appeals process with a clear plan and honest advice. Here’s what happens next:
You Request Review by the Appeals Council.
You can ask the Appeals Council at Social Security to review the judge’s decision. They may agree to look at your case, especially if there was a legal or procedural error. The primary point the Appeals Council looks at is whether the judge made a mistake.
This step isn’t about adding new evidence and arguments on your end. Your disability lawyer analyzes the judge’s decision and calls attention to problems.
You don’t talk to the Appeals Council yourself. This step is handled through filing paperwork.
You File a Federal Court Lawsuit
If the Appeals Council declines to review the disability judge’s decision or upholds their decision, the next step is to take your case to federal court.
You again won’t go to court yourself. You’ll file documents with the judge. The judge will review everything in your Social Security Disability case so far, including the disability judge’s decision, and issue a written ruling.
Thia process requires experienced legal guidance—and a lawyer admitted to practice law in federal court.
Troutman & Troutman Social Security Disability lawyers have helped people through every stage of the disability benefits process for decades. If we believe your claim has a chance, we’ll fight for it.
At Troutman & Troutman, our disability lawyers have over 150 years of combined experience. We’ll help you:
- Understand what your hearing outcome means
- Review your judge’s decision for appealable issues
- Guide you through federal court if necessary
Troutman & Troutman serves Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Owasso, Bartlesville, Tahlequah, Muskogee and all of Oklahoma.
Let’s take the next step, together, and give you every chance to win life-changing financial relief.
Wherever You Are in the Disability Benefits Process, We Can Help
You may be trying to determine if Social Security Disability benefits are right for you. You may be facing a long, complicated benefits application. Or maybe you’ve applied and been denied. Now what? The Troutman & Troutman Oklahoma disability attorneys can help.
Disability Attorneys Answer Your Questions about Social Security
Your life has been disrupted by health problems. You’ve had to leave work. You’re worried about money. Social Security Disability benefits can provide relief, but they’re complicated. You’ve got a lot of questions. The Troutman & Troutman Tulsa disability lawyers have answers.
SSD Questions & Answers »
