Los Angeles Disability Appeals Lawyer

Applying for disability benefits in Los Angeles, CA, can be a challenge, even for those who should be easily approved for benefits. When you cannot provide for yourself and your family, the stress can make daily living challenging. Fortunately, a trusted disability attorney can help take this burden off when your initial application is denied. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies a significant number of applicants due to mistakes made in the application process.

You can prepare accordingly and get the legal support of a reputable disability appeals law firm to guide you through your appeal with the SSA. Pisegna & Zimmerman Attorneys at Law have years of experience in disability appeals. Our Los Angeles disability lawyers bring expertise and experience in disability law, and our legal team offers a wide range of services to our clients throughout Los Angeles.

Understanding the Disability Process

The appeals process is an important part of the Social Security disability benefits system since many initial claims are denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Disability appeals often involve several steps, each with its own prerequisites and timelines. Understanding how the appeals process works can be complex, especially for individuals dealing with the struggles of a life-altering disability.

A Los Angeles disability attorney can assist disabled individuals through the many steps of appealing a denied disability claim.

Common Reasons for Disability Claim Denials

There are several reasons your Los Angeles, CA, disability claim may be denied. Some of the most common reasons for a denial include:

Your medical condition did not qualify for benefits
Your application was received too long after the disabling condition occurred
You can continue substantial gainful activity and earn money despite the disability
Proper medical evidence was not provided to prove the nature of your disability

A Los Angeles, CA, disability attorney can help you with the appeals process, ensuring you gather the necessary evidence and documentation to prove your disability.

How Pisegna & Zimmerman Attorneys at Law Can Help Overturn Denials

A Los Angeles, CA, disability lawyer brings perseverance, patience, and qualified assistance to overturning your disability claim denial. The key to getting your claim approved is gathering necessary evidence, building a solid case, and presenting strong evidence proving your need for disability benefits. An attorney can review your original claim to see what information had mistakes and correct them before resubmitting your claim to the SSA.

The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation in Disability Appeals

Insurance companies that handle disability denials can be difficult to work with. A high percentage of cases are denied and require a hearing before a judge. An experienced Los Angeles, CA, disability attorney can help you prepare for the hearing and speak to the judge for you.

You may worry about how you will pay for legal representation to help get your disability insurance claim approved. Many Los Angeles, CA, attorneys work on contingency, and they only get paid if you win your case. Any attorney fees would come directly from past-due disability benefits.

Tips for Gathering Strong Evidence to Support Your Appeal

A Los Angeles, CA, disability lawyer can be your ally in building a strong case by gathering evidence. Some of the stronger pieces of evidence you can collect to support your disability appeal include:

Your full medical history
Contact info for the medical team treating you
Locations and dates of medical testing
Locations and dates of any hospitalizations
A full medication list with dosages, documented side effects, and prescribing doctor’s name

Your disability attorney can help you gather the documents needed to prove your case.

The Different Types of Disability Benefits Available

There are various disability benefits programs. The main disability benefits include:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Private Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Child’s Disability Benefits (CDB)

These programs provide financial assistance to those who are unable to work due to mental or physical impairments.

The Timeline and Steps Involved in the Appeals Process

When a disability claim is denied, you must follow certain steps to appeal the decision. These steps can be broken down as follows:

Initial Application: This includes your medical records, personal information, and work history used by the SSA to determine eligibility.
Reconsideration: If your case is denied, you can request a reconsideration, but many reconsideration requests are also denied.
Hearing with an Administrative Judge: During this hearing, your disability attorney can help you present your case to the judge.
Appeals Council Review: The appeals council reviews your case, ensuring no errors were made at the hearing.
Federal Court Review: Federal court can be complex and time-consuming, and the experience of a disability attorney is crucial.

Your lawyer will ensure you fully understand these steps.

Responding to Requests for Additional Information from the Social Security Administration

Your Los Angeles, CA, disability lawyer can help you respond to information requests from the SSA. You must submit any additional information they need to approve your claim.

Preparing for Administrative Hearings or Court Proceedings

Having an attorney at your side from the start of the application process can help make it possible to anticipate objections from the SSA and resolve them early on. Even with a skilled disability lawyer, claims can still be denied.

Government disability programs can be complex and confusing to many people seeking help. Having a Los Angeles, CA, disability lawyer who understands these complexities can help you more easily navigate hearings or court proceedings during the appeals process.

Contact Pisegna & Zimmerman Attorneys at Law

If you applied for disability benefits in Southern California and were denied, our legal team is here to help. We will work tirelessly to get your application sent in with all required documentation as quickly as possible so that your benefits can begin. Contact us today using our secure online contact form to discuss the details of your disability claim.