SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
If you’ve been denied Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you still have options — and experienced representation can significantly improve your chances of a successful appeal. At Chris Ring Law, we handle denials at every stage of the process and guide clients through appeals, medical development, hearings, and post-decision steps.
Common reasons for denial
Insufficient medical evidence or records that don’t clearly show a disabling condition.
Short duration of impairment or conditions expected to improve.
Failure to follow prescribed treatment without a valid reason.
Noncompliance with paperwork deadlines or procedural requirements.
Denial based on work activity or earnings that the Social Security Administration (SSA) deems substantial gainful activity (SGA).
How representation helps
Timely appeal filing: SSA has strict deadlines. We file appeals and request hearings on time, preventing loss of appeal rights.
Case development: We obtain, organize, and present medical records, treatment notes, diagnostic tests, and functional assessments necessary to prove disability.
Obtaining medical opinions: We coordinate with your treating physicians to secure detailed statements about your limitations and prognosis.
Vocational and expert evidence: When needed, we retain vocational experts or medical experts to counter SSA determinations about your ability to work.
Hearings advocacy: At the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, experienced representation presents testimony, examines vocational and medical witnesses, and frames your limitations in the clearest legal and medical terms.
Navigating continuances and remands: If additional evidence is needed, we request continuances or pursue remand when error is identified in SSA decisions.
Fee handling: We generally work on a contingency basis for most disability cases — attorneys’ fees are often approved by SSA and payable only if you win.
Stages of the appeals process we handle
Reconsideration: Review of the initial denial by a different claims examiner. We submit additional evidence and legal arguments.
Request for hearing before an ALJ: Many cases are resolved at this hearing; we prepare testimony, exhibits, and witness strategy.
Appeals Council review: If the ALJ denies benefits, we can request review or explain why the decision is wrong and should be reversed.
Federal court review: When necessary, we file a civil action in federal district court challenging the Commissioner’s denial.
What to do right after a denial
Don’t miss the deadline: File a written request for reconsideration or hearing as required. Missing time limits can forfeit your appeal rights.
Gather records: Request and collect all medical records, prescriptions, therapy notes, hospital records, and work records.
Keep a symptom diary: Document daily limitations, pain levels, medication effects, and how symptoms affect your ability to perform tasks.
Follow treatment: Continue seeing doctors and follow prescribed therapies unless there’s a legitimate reason you can document for not doing so.
What we’ll need from you
Copies of denial letters and any correspondence from SSA.
Social Security number, birth certificate, and employment history.
Names and contact details of all treating medical providers.
Consent to obtain medical records and release forms.
Possible outcomes
Approval of benefits (retroactive payments may apply).
A favorable ALJ decision reversing the denial.
Remand to the agency for further development of the record.
Continued denial, after which further appeals are possible.
Why choose experienced representation
Statistically, represented claimants have higher approval rates at hearings.
Complex medical or vocational issues require attorneys familiar with SSA rules and ALJ expectations.
We manage communications with SSA, reducing delays and errors that can hurt your case.
If you’ve been denied Social Security benefits, contact Chris Ring Law for a free case evaluation. We’ll review your denial, explain the appeals process, and outline a plan to pursue the benefits you deserve. Our office number: (606) 784-HURT.