SSDI Denial Appeals Guide – Greensboro, Texas

Introduction: Greensboro’s Path to SSDI Success

When your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim is denied, the next 60 days are critical. For residents of Greensboro, Texas—a small Leon County community roughly halfway between Houston and Dallas—the challenge is real. You may live miles from the nearest Social Security field office and major medical center, yet the same federal rules apply. This guide explains each step of the SSDI denial appeal process, grounds for denials, strict federal deadlines, and local resources. While the information slightly favors claimants, it remains rooted in authoritative sources such as the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Social Security Act, and Title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Our goal is simple: help Greensboro applicants turn a ‘no’ into the benefits they have earned.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

The Federal Safety Net

SSDI is a federal insurance program funded by payroll taxes under Title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 401–433). To qualify, you must:

• Have a medically determinable impairment expected to last ≥12 months or result in death (20 CFR §404.1505).

• Meet the insured-status test—typically 20 quarters of coverage in the last 40 (20 CFR §404.130).

Your Core Due-Process Rights

• Written Notice: SSA must detail the reasons for denial and list the evidence considered (20 CFR §404.1309).

• Appeal Within 60 Days: You have 60 days plus 5 for mailing to request reconsideration (20 CFR §404.909(a)(1)).

• Access to Your File: Claimants may review and copy their electronic folder at any SSA office.

• Representation: You may appoint an attorney or qualified non-attorney. All representatives’ fees are capped at 25 percent of past-due benefits or $7,200, whichever is lower (42 U.S.C. §406(a)).

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

According to SSA’s own statistics, approximately two-thirds of initial disability applications are denied nationwide. Greensboro claimants face the same hurdles:

• Insufficient Medical Evidence: SSA evaluators often find that treatment notes lack objective findings or longitudinal records.

• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Too High: If the Disability Determination Services (DDS) examiner decides you can perform past relevant work (20 CFR §404.1520(f)), the claim is denied.

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): Working and earning over the SGA limit ($1,470 per month for 2023; higher for blind workers) results in an automatic technical denial.

• Not “Severe” for 12 Months: If your impairment improved in less than a year, DDS must deny under the durational requirement.

• Failure to Cooperate: Missing consultative exams or refusing to release records can trigger a denial.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

The Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process

Every SSDI case is measured by the same five-step test laid out in 20 CFR §404.1520:

• Are you engaging in SGA?

• Is your impairment “severe”?

Does it meet or equal a Listing (Blue Book Listings)?

• Can you perform past relevant work?

• Can you adjust to other work in the national economy?

At steps 4 and 5, the burden shifts partially to SSA, requiring vocational evidence. If you are 50 or older, the Medical-Vocational Guidelines (20 CFR Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 2) may direct a finding of disabled.

Statutes of Limitations for Appeals

• Request for Reconsideration: 60 days after receipt (20 CFR §404.909).

• Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing: 60 days after the reconsideration decision (20 CFR §404.933).

• Appeals Council Review: 60 days after the ALJ decision (20 CFR §404.968).

• Federal District Court: 60 days after Appeals Council denial or notice of decision (42 U.S.C. §405(g)).

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Read the Denial Letter Carefully

The notice describes why you were denied and specifies deadlines. Mark the 60-day appeal date on your calendar immediately.

2. File a Request for Reconsideration

You may file online, by mail, or in person. Include any new diagnoses, updated imaging, or specialist opinions. In Texas, reconsideration decisions average 4–6 months.

3. Prepare for the ALJ Hearing

• Submit Evidence Early: 20 CFR §404.935 requires that all written evidence be submitted no later than 5 business days before the hearing.

• Medical Source Statements: Obtain RFC forms from treating physicians at Baylor Scott & White Health in College Station or CHI St. Joseph Health in Bryan.

• Witnesses: Family, former supervisors, or vocational experts can clarify daily limitations.

4. Appeals Council Review

The Appeals Council in Falls Church, VA, reviews written arguments. They may grant, deny, or remand your case.

5. Federal Court Litigation

If Appeals Council relief fails, you may file a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas (Waco Division serves Leon County). No new evidence is accepted; the court reviews the administrative record for legal error.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Statistics published by SSA show that claimants represented by attorneys are more likely to succeed at the hearing level. A greensboro disability attorney can:

• Analyze medical gaps and request needed diagnostics.

• Draft pre-hearing briefs citing vocational rules and recent Fifth Circuit precedent.

• Cross-examine SSA vocational experts on job-number methodology per Biestek v. Berryhill, 139 S. Ct. 1148 (2019).

• Handle fee petitions and protect retroactive benefits.

Texas lawyers must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas and admitted to practice before the SSA or federal courts. Most work on contingency, collecting only if you win past-due benefits.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Nearest SSA Offices

• Bryan Field Office, 707 E 29th St., Bryan, TX 77803 – Approx. 45 miles from Greensboro.

• Waco Field Office, 1200 W State Hwy 6, Waco, TX 76712 – About 70 miles.

Call ahead (800-772-1213) to confirm hours or request file copies.

Free & Low-Cost Medical Clinics

• Leon County Community Clinic, Centerville – Sliding-scale primary care for uninsured patients.

• CHI St. Joseph Health Clinic, Bryan – Provides neurological and orthopedic referrals.

Vocational & Rehabilitation Services

Texas Workforce Solutions–Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) in Bryan assists disabled workers with job-placement or training—useful if SSA questions your inability to work.

Staying Organized

• Create a binder or digital folder labeled ‘SSDI denial appeal greensboro texas’ with sub-folders for medical, vocational, and correspondence.

Use SSA’s Field Office Locator to track where documents are sent.

Authoritative References

SSA – How to Appeal a Decision 20 CFR Part 404 (Disability Insurance Benefits) SSA Blue Book – Listing of Impairments

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Texas attorney.

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