A denial is not the end. But the clock is ticking.
Most Social Security disability claims are denied at first — that doesn’t mean you don’t qualify. From the date on your denial letter, you have just 60 days to appeal. Here’s exactly what to do.
Disability denied? Don’t start over — appeal the claim you have.
The single worst move after a denial is filing a brand-new application. You lose your original filing date — and the back pay tied to it. Appeal the existing claim instead.
You have 60 days. From the date on your denial letter (plus 5 days for mailing) you have 60 days to request the next step. Miss it and you may have to start the entire process over. Calendar it the day the letter arrives.
Most denials come down to insufficient medical evidence, a gap in treatment, or earnings over the substantial-gainful-activity limit — not because your condition isn’t real. A good representative reads the denial to find the actual reason and fixes it on appeal.
The 60-day appeal window.
From the date on your denial notice. Don’t wait — building a strong appeal takes time, and the deadline is strict.
Four stages of appeal.
Approval odds rise the further you go — which is exactly why representation matters most at the hearing. Each stage has its own 60-day deadline.
Stage 1: Reconsideration
A fresh review of your file by a different examiner at Disability Determination Services. Required before a hearing, with low approval odds — but a necessary step, and the moment to start strengthening your record.
Stage 2: ALJ Hearing
Your case before an Administrative Law Judge. This is where approval odds rise sharply and most claims are finally won. Tennessee is served by hearing offices in Nashville, Franklin, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kingsport, and Memphis.
Stage 3: Appeals Council
If the judge denies your claim, the Appeals Council reviews the decision for legal error. We identify the grounds and make the argument.
Stage 4: Federal Court
The final step — a lawsuit in U.S. District Court. Few firms pursue it; we do when the case warrants it.
What we do after a denial.
Disability law is all we do. After a denial, here’s how we turn it around.
Read the denial
We pull your file and find the real reason you were denied — not the boilerplate language in the letter.
Rebuild the record
We gather updated medical evidence and functional opinions that address exactly what was missing.
Win at the hearing
We prepare you, build the case, and cross-examine the vocational expert — where hearings are won.
Questions after a denial.
I was denied. Is it too late to get help?
Should I appeal or file a new application?
Why was my claim denied?
What are my chances on appeal?
How long does the appeal take?
What does it cost?
Denied? Don't miss your 60-day window.
Free case review. No obligation. We respond within 2 business hours.