You were denied. Now we fight back.
A disability appeals lawyer turns denials into hearings won. Most disability claims are denied on the first try — and most denied claimants give up. They shouldn't. The appeals process exists for a reason, and it's where most successful cases are actually won. We handle every level of disability appeals for Tennessee families.
A disability appeals lawyer: a second chance, with better odds.
A disability appeal is the formal process for challenging an SSA decision that denied your SSDI or SSI claim. It's a structured, multi-stage process with strict deadlines — and at each stage, your odds of approval can change dramatically with the right representation.
The single most important thing to know: you have 60 days from the date of the denial letter to file your appeal. Miss that deadline and you usually have to start over from scratch.
Most denied claimants are entitled to benefits — they just don't have anyone fighting for them yet. That's what changes when you bring in experienced counsel.
“About half of ALJ hearings result in approvals. The other half? Often they just needed a stronger case.”
Three types of denials we appeal.
Almost every denial can be appealed — but the strategy depends on what stage you're at and why you were denied.
Initial denial
Your first application got denied. This is the most common type of denial — about 65% of initial SSDI applications and 70% of SSI applications are denied at this stage. Reconsideration is the next step.
Reconsideration denial
You filed reconsideration after the initial denial — and got denied again. This is normal. The next step is requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, where most successful cases are won.
ALJ denial
Your hearing didn't go your way. The Appeals Council is the next step — and if they uphold the denial, federal court is the final option. We're authorized to handle every level.
Four stages of disability appeals.
Each stage has its own deadlines, rules, and best strategies. Knowing what works at each stage is the difference between approval and another denial.
Reconsideration
The first appeal stage. We file Form SSA-561 within 60 days of denial, add new medical evidence, and address each reason the SSA gave for the denial. Roughly 12–15% of reconsiderations succeed at this stage.
ALJ hearing
If reconsideration is denied, we request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is where most cases are won. We prepare your testimony, develop the medical record, and present the legal argument at the hearing.
Appeals Council
If the ALJ rules against you, the Appeals Council reviews the decision. They look for errors of law or fact that affected the outcome. We identify exactly what went wrong at the hearing level and argue the case for review.
Federal District Court
If your claim is denied by the Appeals Council, the next step is federal court. For these cases we work with trusted partner firms who specialize in federal disability litigation — so your case keeps moving with the right advocate at every level.
What we do at every appeal stage.
Successful appeals are built on careful analysis of why the case was denied — and then attacking each reason with the right strategy and evidence.
Denial analysis
Every denial letter cites specific reasons. We dissect each one and build a strategy that addresses the SSA's actual concerns — not just generic appeals language.
New medical evidence
Most denied claims have evidence gaps. We work with your doctors to get the medical records, opinions, and supporting statements that strengthen your case at each level.
Hearing & federal advocacy
At the ALJ hearing, we present the legal framework that wins. Beyond that, we handle Appeals Council briefs and federal court litigation — we don't tap out at the hearing level.
Disability appeals FAQ.
How long do I have to appeal a disability denial?
Should I just file a new claim instead of appealing?
What are my chances at an ALJ hearing?
How long does an appeal take?
Will I get back pay if I win on appeal?
Can you take my case if another lawyer already lost it?
Denied? Don't wait — appeal.
Free case review. No obligation. We respond within 2 business hours.