SSDI Denial – Disability Lawyers Near Me, College Station TX

Introduction: Your Roadmap After an SSDI Denial in College Station

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is designed to protect workers who, after paying Social Security taxes, become unable to work because of a medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Yet more than 60% of initial SSDI applications from Texas are denied, according to recent Social Security Administration (SSA) statistics. If you live in College Station—or in nearby Bryan, Wellborn, Millican, or any other Brazos County community—a denial can feel both personal and overwhelming. This comprehensive guide, written with a slight emphasis on protecting claimants’ rights, explains exactly what happens next, the precise federal regulations that govern the appeals process, and where to find reliable, local help from disability lawyers near me. Whether you plan to handle your own appeal or retain a College Station disability attorney, knowing the deadlines, evidence rules, and local resources can make the difference between a successful SSDI denial appeal and forfeiting benefits you earned. Everything below is drawn exclusively from authoritative sources such as 20 CFR Part 404, the Social Security Act, and published federal court opinions. No speculation—just verified facts tailored for Brazos Valley residents.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

Statutory Foundations

Your core rights come from Section 223 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. §423) and its implementing regulations, primarily 20 CFR §§404.1–404.999d. These provisions guarantee every claimant:

• The right to a written notice explaining any unfavorable determination (20 CFR §404.904).

• The right to examine the evidence in your claim file and submit additional evidence (20 CFR §404.935).

• The right to representation by an attorney or qualified non-attorney (20 CFR §404.1705).

• The right to at least one administrative appeal and, if still dissatisfied, judicial review in federal district court (Social Security Act §205(g)).

These rights apply equally in College Station, across Texas, and nationwide. Importantly, the SSA must base its decision on the five-step sequential evaluation found in 20 CFR §404.1520. A denial at any step must be supported by “substantial evidence.” If an adjudicator skipped a step or relied on inadequate evidence, that is grounds for appeal.

Work Credits and Insured Status

To qualify for SSDI you must have earned enough quarters of coverage. Most College Station workers under age 31 need at least half the possible quarters between age 21 and the date of disability; those 31 or older typically need 20 quarters in the 40 quarters before disability. SSA’s official insured-status chart breaks down the exact numbers. If you lack work credits, you may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but that is outside the scope of this SSDI guide.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

The SSA’s own Program Operations Manual System (POMS) lists the most frequent denial codes. In the Brazos Valley region, claimants often encounter:

• Duration Denials (DDS Code 28): Medical evidence fails to show the impairment will last 12 months.

• Severity Denials (Code 20): Impairment judged “non-severe” under 20 CFR §404.1522.

• Vocational Denials (Codes 24–25): SSA finds you can still perform past work or other work in the national economy.

• Technical Denials: Insufficient work credits, continued substantial gainful activity (SGA) above $1,470/month (2023 figure), or missed deadlines.

• Non-Medical Denials: Failure to cooperate with consultative exams or provide medical releases under 20 CFR §404.1518.

Each denial category demands a tailored response. A college station disability attorney can help identify which specific evidence, such as treating-physician opinions from Baylor Scott & White Medical Center—College Station or St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital in Bryan, will best rebut SSA’s findings.

Federal Legal Protections & Key Regulations

Important CFR Sections to Know

• 20 CFR §404.900 – Establishes the four levels of administrative review: Reconsideration, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, Appeals Council review, and Federal Court.

• 20 CFR §404.1513 – Defines acceptable medical sources, now including Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants for certain impairments.

• 20 CFR §404.1520(c)–(g) – Details the sequential evaluation process.

• 20 CFR §404.1728 – Caps attorney fees at the lesser of 25% of past-due benefits or $7,200 (current maximum).

Time Limits Are Strict

Under 20 CFR §404.909, you have 60 days from the date you receive your denial notice—SSA presumes five additional mailing days—to request reconsideration. Every subsequent level (hearing, Appeals Council, and civil action) carries the same 60-day deadline (20 CFR §404.933 and §422.210). Missing a deadline generally forfeits your right to further review unless you demonstrate “good cause” under 20 CFR §404.911.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Review the Notice Thoroughly

Your denial letter (SSA-L443) includes a technical rationale and a personalized explanation. Highlight the cited regulations, medical exhibits, and work-history findings. Flag any factual errors; even minor mistakes like misreported job duties can be pivotal at appeal.

2. Gather Additional Medical Evidence

Under 20 CFR §404.1512(a), you bear the primary burden to provide evidence. Request updated records from:

• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center—College Station (medical records dept. 979-207-3300)

• St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital, Bryan

• Central Texas Veterans Health Care System clinics for veterans

A detailed “Medical Source Statement” from your treating physician addressing functional limitations in terms SSA recognizes (e.g., stand/walk

3. File Your Reconsideration (First Appeal Level)

You can submit SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) online or at the Bryan Field Office—3141 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan, TX 77802. Keep proof of timely filing (certified mail receipts or SSA online confirmation code). The reconsideration is a paper review by a different disability examiner. Average processing time in Texas is 4–6 months.

4. Request an ALJ Hearing if Reconsideration Is Denied

More than 50% of Texans who appear before an ALJ with representation ultimately secure benefits. File form HA-501 online or via the Bryan office. College Station cases are usually assigned to the Houston-Bissonnet Office of Hearings Operations (OHO); however, video hearings are common. Prepare written briefs citing 20 CFR §404.1512 and medical-vocational guidelines (a.k.a. the “Grid Rules,” 20 CFR Pt 404, Subpt P, App 2).

5. Appeal to the Appeals Council

If the ALJ rules against you, submit form HA-520. The Appeals Council in Falls Church, VA, reviews legal and procedural issues, not new evidence unless you show good cause (20 CFR §404.970). Average wait: 8–12 months.

6. File a Civil Action in U.S. District Court

Under Social Security Act §205(g) and 42 U.S.C. §405(g), you may sue within 60 days of the Appeals Council denial. College Station falls under the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. Federal judges limit review to whether the SSA decision is supported by “substantial evidence” and whether proper legal standards were applied.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

While claimants may self-represent at any stage, federal reports show represented appellants are three times more likely to win at the ALJ level. A college station disability attorney can:

• Cross-examine vocational and medical experts at hearings.

• Draft pre-hearing briefs citing 20 CFR and relevant Fifth Circuit precedent (e.g., Audet v. Astrue, 501 F. App’x 332, 5th Cir. 2012).

• Ensure compliance with SSA’s updated evidence submission rule (5-day rule, 20 CFR §404.935).

• Charge no upfront fee—payment is limited by 20 CFR §404.1728 and subject to SSA approval.

Texas attorneys must be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas and licensed in the federal court where any civil action will be filed.

Local Resources & Next Steps

SSA Field & Hearing Offices

Bryan Social Security Office 3141 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan, TX 77802 Phone: 866-568-9428 Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon–Fri Houston-Bissonnet OHO (for most Brazos County hearings) 1919 Savage Rd., Suite 100, Houston, TX 77039

Medical & Vocational Evidence Sources

• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center—College Station (700 Scott & White Dr.)

• St. Joseph Health Rehabilitation Services, Bryan

• Texas Workforce Commission—Vocational Rehabilitation Services, 3991 E. 29th St., Bryan

Community Support

Local nonprofits such as Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living (BVCIL) provide peer counseling and can help gather daily-living statements supporting functional limitations—a valuable supplement under 20 CFR §404.1513(a)(4).

Checklist: Protecting Your SSDI Denial Appeal (College Station, Texas)

• Calendar the 60-day deadline (+5 mailing days).

• Request and copy your complete SSA claim file (CD or electronic).

• Secure updated treating-physician opinions using SSA-827 medical release.

• Document medication side effects and failed work attempts.

• Consult a licensed disability lawyer near me before the ALJ hearing.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information drawn from the Social Security Act, 20 CFR, and SSA policy. It is not legal advice. For advice on 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.