SSDI Appeals: Can They be Done More Than Once?
For many Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applicants, an initial denial is not the end of the road—it’s often just the beginning. In fact, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), around 65% of initial SSDI applications are denied. This means that the majority of legitimate claims are only approved after one or more appeals.
Why Are So Many Claims Denied Initially?
In most cases, the denial isn’t because the claimant doesn’t meet the medical definition of disability—it’s because of gaps or errors in the record. Common reasons include:
Incomplete or insufficient medical evidence
Missed deadlines or procedural errors
Failure to respond to SSA requests for information
Lack of representation or misunderstanding of the process
As attorneys know, these procedural barriers can be especially challenging for clients who speak limited English or who have difficulty navigating federal systems.
The SSDI appeals process has four distinct stages:
Reconsideration – A different SSA examiner reviews the case.
Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) – The claimant has an opportunity to testify and present evidence.
Appeals Council Review – If the ALJ denies the claim, the Council may review the decision.
Federal Court Review – The final level for unresolved claims.
It’s not unusual for qualified claimants to succeed only after the second or even third level of appeal. Persistence and professional guidance make a measurable difference in outcomes.
At Walker Firm dba Casa de la Justicia, our. will handle the full appeals process—from reconsideration through ALJ hearings and beyond—so referring attorneys can trust that their clients are in capable hands.
If you have clients that you anticipate will be unable to work due to their medical disability for more than one year refer them to us. By calling 1-800-854-5454, in a 10-minute intake call, we can determine eligibility and begin working on their SSDI case for approval.
Walker Firm dba Casa de la Justicia — Trusted SSDI representation for our community.
