Disability Lawyers Near Me: SSDI Guide for Tacoma, Texas

Introduction: Why Tacoma, Texas Claimants Need a Focused SSDI Denial Guide

Tacoma, Texas is a small unincorporated community in Harrison County. Although its population is modest, residents still face the same complex federal rules that govern Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) nationwide. Claimants here often rely on medical services in nearby Longview or Marshall and must travel to those cities for Social Security Administration (SSA) appointments. Because denying an initial claim is statistically common—nationally, the SSA denies roughly two-thirds of first-time applications—understanding the precise appeals process is critical. This guide explains your rights, the federal regulations that protect you, and the practical steps to take after a denial, all tailored to the resources actually available to people living in or near Tacoma, Texas.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

What SSDI Provides

SSDI is a federal insurance program funded through FICA payroll taxes. If you have earned sufficient work credits and have a qualifying disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, SSDI can provide monthly cash benefits and eventual Medicare eligibility.

Key Federal Protections

• Due Process: Under Social Security Act §205(b), you are entitled to notice and an opportunity for a hearing after any adverse decision.

• Right to Representation: 20 CFR 404.1705 affirms your right to appoint an attorney or non-attorney representative at any stage.

• Evidence Rules: SSA decision makers must consider all medical evidence (20 CFR 404.1512), including new evidence submitted during appeals.

Texas-Specific Attorney Licensing

Any lawyer who represents you before the SSA and then in federal court must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas and in good standing. Attorneys can charge a fee only if the SSA approves it, usually capped at 25 percent of past-due benefits or $7,200—whichever is lower—per 42 U.S.C. §406(a).

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

The SSA’s denial letter (called a Notice of Disapproved Claim) lists “technical” and “medical” reasons. Understanding these helps you supply the missing evidence on appeal.

• Insufficient Work Credits: If you have not worked five of the last 10 years, you may fail the “date last insured” test.

• Lack of Severe Impairment: SSA finds your condition is not “severe” under the sequential evaluation process (20 CFR 404.1520(a)(4)(ii)).

• Ability to Perform Past Relevant Work: Under step 4 of the sequential evaluation (20 CFR 404.1520(a)(4)(iv)), SSA decides you can still do work you performed in the last 15 years.

• Non-compliance With Treatment: Failing to follow prescribed therapy without good cause can lead to denial (20 CFR 404.1530).

• Incomplete Medical Records: Missing objective evidence such as MRIs, EMG tests, or mental-health notes may lead adjudicators to conclude your impairment is not disabling.

While these are federal standards, local factors—like limited specialist availability in rural East Texas—can exacerbate documentation gaps. Being proactive in gathering records from Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview or Christus Good Shepherd Marshall can address this.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Sequential Evaluation Process (20 CFR 404.1520)

SSA uses a five-step test. Claimants must satisfy each step in order, or the claim ends in denial.

• Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

• Step 2: Severe Medically Determinable Impairment

• Step 3: Listings (Appendix 1 of Subpart P, 20 CFR Part 404)

• Step 4: Past Relevant Work

• Step 5: Other Work in the National Economy

Appeals Time Limits

You have 60 days from the date you receive any adverse notice to file the next appeal level (20 CFR 404.909(a) & 404.933(b)). SSA presumes you receive the notice five days after mailing.

Evidence Submission Rules

Per 20 CFR 404.935, you must submit or inform SSA about written evidence no later than five business days before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, although “good cause” exceptions exist.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. File a Request for Reconsideration

If your initial claim was denied, submit SSA Form 561, SSA-3441, and SSA-827 within 60 days. In Texas, reconsiderations are handled through the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office in Austin, but you file locally or online.

2. Prepare for the Reconsideration Review

• Obtain updated treatment records from Longview Regional Medical Center or local clinics.

• Ask your treating physician for a detailed Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) statement.

• Confirm your work history summary is accurate and complete.

3. Request an Administrative Law Judge Hearing

If reconsideration fails (national reversal rate is under 15 %), file the hearing request (Form HA-501) timely. The Dallas Region Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) oversees hearings for East Texas, including those conducted by video teleconference at the Longview SSA.

4. Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can seek Appeals Council review (Form HA-520). Less than 20 % of requests are granted, but submitting new, material evidence authorized by 20 CFR 404.970 can improve odds.

5. File in Federal District Court

The final step is a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division, within 60 days of Appeals Council denial, as allowed under 42 U.S.C. §405(g).

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Although claimants may represent themselves, statistical studies by the U.S. Government Accountability Office show that having a representative at the ALJ level nearly doubles the likelihood of approval. A seasoned tacoma disability attorney can:

• Analyze whether your impairment meets a Listing (e.g., 1.04 for spine disorders).

• Coordinate opinion evidence from treating physicians using acceptable medical source criteria (20 CFR 404.1502).

• Cross-examine vocational experts at hearing.

• Draft legal briefs citing applicable circuit precedent (e.g., Newton v. Apfel, 209 F.3d 448 (5th Cir. 2000)).

Because attorney fees are contingency-based and capped, there is minimal financial risk to hiring counsel after a denial.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Nearest SSA Field Offices Serving Tacoma, Texas

Longview SSA Office 611 Clinic Dr., Longview, TX 75605 Phone: 1-888-759-9106 Marshall SSA Office 1400 E Houston St., Marshall, TX 75670 Phone: 1-888-366-6149

Key Medical Providers for Disability Documentation

• Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center – Marshall

• Longview Regional Medical Center

• UT Health East Texas Rehabilitation Center, Longview

Community Support

Texas Workforce Solutions–Vocational Rehabilitation

• Harrison County Veterans Service Office for former service members

Bring SSA Form SSA-827 (Authorization to Disclose Information) when requesting records from these facilities to avoid delays.

Authoritative External References

SSA – Official Appeals Process Electronic Code of Federal Regulations – 20 CFR Part 404 42 U.S.C. §405(g) – Judicial Review GAO Report on SSDI Approval Rates With Representation

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations change, and individual facts matter. Consult a licensed Texas attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Next Step: Protect Your Rights

If your SSDI claim was denied, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and claim review.