SSDI Denial Appeal Guide – Tempe, Texas Claimants

Introduction: Why a Tempe, Texas–Specific SSDI Guide Matters

The phrase "SSDI denial appeal Tempe Texas" is searched every month by Central Texas workers who suddenly find their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications rejected. While Tempe, Texas is a small unincorporated community, its residents must still navigate the exact same federal rules that apply in Houston or Dallas. Yet geography still matters: the local Social Security Administration (SSA) field office, hearing office, medical providers, and even vocational experts who testify in hearings are all based in Central Texas. Understanding how those local pieces fit into the national appeals process can shorten wait times, reduce paperwork errors, and improve your chances of success.

This 2,500-plus-word guide draws only from authoritative sources such as the Social Security Administration, the Code of Federal Regulations (20 CFR), and published federal court decisions. It is slightly claimant-friendly—because statistics show unrepresented claimants are approved far less often than those with counsel—but every statement is grounded in verifiable law or SSA policy. Whether you are filing your first appeal or preparing for a federal court action, use this roadmap to protect your benefits and your livelihood.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

1. The Right to Apply and Re-Apply

Under Section 223 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 423), any insured worker who meets the definition of disability may apply for SSDI. If you are denied, 20 CFR 404.909 guarantees you the right to file a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days of receiving the denial notice.

2. The Right to a De Novo Review

At the reconsideration level, a different disability examiner and medical consultant must review your file anew; they cannot simply “rubber-stamp” the first denial (20 CFR 404.907).

3. The Right to a Hearing Before an ALJ

If reconsideration fails, 20 CFR 404.929 gives you a right to an in-person, video, or telephone hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). For Tempe residents, hearings are generally held at the Waco Office of Hearing Operations (OHO). You may question vocational experts, present new medical evidence, and testify under oath.

4. The Right to Judicial Review

After the Appeals Council, you may file suit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). This federal-court stage is critical because it can reverse or remand a wrongful denial.

5. The Right to Representation

20 CFR 404.1705 allows you to hire an attorney or qualified non-attorney advocate. In Texas, attorneys must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas; fees are capped by 42 U.S.C. § 406 and currently limited to 25 percent of past-due benefits or $7,200, whichever is less.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Knowing why claims fail helps you focus your appeal strategy.

• Insufficient Medical Evidence – SSA often finds the record does not prove a medically determinable impairment lasting 12 months as required by 20 CFR 404.1509.

• Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment – Under 20 CFR 404.1530, claimants must follow reasonable treatment unless they have a valid excuse (e.g., lack of funds, religious objection).

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) – Earning above the monthly SGA limit ($1,550 for non-blind workers in 2024) is almost always fatal to a claim.

• Durational Denials – Short-term injuries that do not last 12 months are excluded.

• Technical Errors – Missing work credits or filing outside the appeal deadline are procedural deal-breakers, yet often fixable on appeal.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Key Regulations You Should Cite in Your Appeal

• 20 CFR 404.1520 – The five-step sequential evaluation used by SSA to decide every adult disability claim.

• 20 CFR 404.1512 – The claimant’s duty to submit all evidence "relevant to the claim" known to them.

• 20 CFR 404.1513 – Defines what counts as acceptable medical sources (AMS), now including Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs).

• Acting Under Social Security Act §223(d)(5)(A) – Requires objective medical evidence of impairment.

Statute of Limitations for SSDI Appeals

You have 60 days from the date you receive any SSA determination to file the next appeal level. SSA presumes you receive the notice five days after the date on the letter (20 CFR 404.901). Missing the deadline generally means starting over, so mark your calendar on day 1.

Federal Court Insights

Recent Fifth Circuit opinions—such as Smith v. Kijakazi, 22 F.4th 774 (5th Cir. 2022)—emphasize that ALJs must explain inconsistencies in medical opinion evidence under the new 2017 Regulations. Citing controlling case law like this can strengthen an Appeals Council brief or district-court complaint.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Read the Denial Letter Line by Line

The notice lists "technical" and "medical" reasons for denial. Highlight each cited regulation—these are the issues you must tackle in your appeal.

2. File a Timely Request for Reconsideration

Use SSA Form 561 or the online appeals portal. Upload any new test results, specialist evaluations, or employer statements.

3. Strengthen Your Medical Record

• Schedule follow-ups at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple or another board-certified facility.

• Request RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) forms from your treating physicians; SSA values longitudinal treatment relationships per 20 CFR 404.1520c.

4. Track Symptoms and Limitations

Daily journals documenting pain levels, treatments tried, and activity restrictions can corroborate medical findings.

5. Consider a Vocational Expert (VE) Report

A private VE opinion can counter SSA’s job-availability assumptions at steps 4 and 5 of the sequential evaluation.

6. Prepare for Your ALJ Hearing

• Submit all evidence at least five business days before the hearing (20 CFR 404.935).

• Review your electronic file on mySSA or with your representative.

• Practice testimony focusing on limitations—not just diagnoses.

7. Keep Appealing up the Ladder

If the ALJ denies, you have 60 days to request Appeals Council review. Argue specific legal errors, such as failure to comply with Social Security Ruling (SSR) 16-3p on evaluating pain.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Claimant Success Rates with vs. without Counsel

SSA’s own annual statistics show that nationally, claimants represented at the ALJ level are approved about 15–20 percentage points more often than unrepresented claimants. While no lawyer can guarantee approval, an experienced Tempe disability attorney can:

• Cross-examine vocational and medical experts.

• Draft legal briefs citing Fifth Circuit precedent.

• Ensure compliance with deadline and evidence rules.

• Negotiate "on-the-record" (OTR) requests to avoid a hearing altogether.

Contingency-Fee Protection

Attorney fees come only from past-due benefits (capped at $7,200) and must be approved by SSA, so you never pay out-of-pocket up front.

Texas Ethical Standards

All SSDI attorneys serving Tempe must belong in good standing to the State Bar of Texas, comply with Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, and register any office locations with the Bar. You can verify a lawyer’s status using the State Bar’s online database.

Local Resources & Next Steps for Tempe Residents

Local SSA Field Office

Temple (Central Texas) SSA Field Office

511 N. Main St.

Temple, TX 76501

Phone: 866-593-1925 (appointments recommended) Use SSA’s Office Locator to confirm hours or alternative offices if you live closer to Killeen or Waco.

Hearing Office (OHO)

Most Tempe, Texas claimants attend hearings at:

Waco Office of Hearing Operations

801 Austin Ave., Suite 700

Waco, TX 76701

Phone: 866-866-1963

Major Medical Providers

• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple (neurology, orthopedics, pain management)

• Central Texas Veterans Health Care System in Temple for eligible veterans

• Ascension Seton Williamson in nearby Round Rock for specialized spine care

Community Support

• Texas Workforce Commission – Vocational Rehabilitation Services can supply job-retraining evidence helpful at step 5.

• Texas Health and Human Services Commission offers Medicaid & SNAP, easing the financial strain while you appeal.

Checklist: Your First 30 Days After a Denial

• Mark the 60-day deadline on your calendar.

• Order up-to-date medical records.

• Consult a Tempe disability attorney for a free evaluation.

• File the Request for Reconsideration online or at the Temple field office.

• Create a binder—or digital folder—labeled "SSDI Appeal" for all correspondence.

Legal Disclaimer

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

Take Action Today

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