If your application for Social Security Disability benefits has been declined, the first, most basic step you can take is to appeal the decision by filing a request for reconsideration form with the SSA. The 85% denial rate for a request for reconsideration can be discouraging, which is why the proper steps must be taken in order to receive a successful Social Security Disability redetermination.
The largest mistake made by claimants filing a request for reconsideration is the lack of new medical evidence. When the SSA evaluates a request for Social Security Disability redetermination, they look for anything new medical additions to to decide if their previous ruling was inaccurate. Because of the statistics, many attorneys refuse to help with a request for redetermination, and unfortunately most claimants who file on their own are unaware of the need to present new medical evidence.
The claimant has a total of 60 days from the date of receipt of their Social Security Disability denial letter in which to file a request for reconsideration. It is best to start immediately by gathering all the necessary medical information and filling out the proper forms. The required reconsideration request forms are:
- Reconsideration Disability Report:In this report you will answer questions that verify your submission of new medical evidence and list your new sources.
- Request for Reconsideration: This is the official appeal to reverse your Social Security Disability benefits denial. You can attach additional pages if needed, as the space on the form is fairly limited.
- Authorization to Disclose Information to the SSA: This is a typical release form.
Before you go through the trouble of getting new consultations and medical evidence, carefully examine your denial letter to verify that all the existing medical evidence was submitted. Ensure that your paperwork includes all relevant medical forms, both old and new.
