SSDI Denial Guide for Claimants in Louisiana, LA

Introduction: Why SSDI Denials Matter in Louisiana, LA

Nearly 14 percent of Louisiana residents live with a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For many of those individuals, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are a critical lifeline. Yet the Social Security Administration (SSA) initially denies roughly two-thirds of SSDI applications nationwide, and Louisiana claimants are no exception. If you received a denial letter, you are not alone—and you are not out of options. This comprehensive guide explains every stage of the SSDI denial appeal louisiana louisiana process, from understanding your legal rights to leveraging local resources. While we focus on SSDI, we also clarify how it differs from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) so you can decide which program—or combination of programs—fits your situation.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights in Louisiana

SSDI vs. SSI: Key Differences

• SSDI is an insurance program funded by payroll taxes. Eligibility hinges on your work history and payment of Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes.

• SSI is a needs-based program for low-income individuals with limited resources, regardless of work history.

• In Louisiana, you can apply for both benefits concurrently if you meet the separate requirements of each program (often called a “concurrent claim”).

Although this guide emphasizes SSDI appeals, many steps and deadlines also apply to SSI denials because both programs follow the same federal appeals process.

Federal Statutory Rights

Your right to appeal an SSDI denial is guaranteed by Section 205(b) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 405(b). Federal regulations in 20 C.F.R. § 404.900 establish four administrative appeal levels—reconsideration, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, Appeals Council review, and federal court action—each of which the SSA must provide upon timely request. Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1505, you have the right to counsel or non-attorney representation at any stage.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

• Insufficient Medical Evidence – Medical records do not establish that your condition meets or equals an impairment listed in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1.

• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Determination – The SSA finds you can still perform past relevant work or other substantial gainful activity (SGA).

• Failure to Cooperate – Missing consultative examinations or failing to provide requested records.

• Duration Requirement – Your impairment has not lasted, or is not expected to last, at least 12 consecutive months (20 C.F.R. § 404.1509).

• Technical Denials – Insufficient work credits or earning SGA levels at the time of filing.

Understanding the exact reason for denial—found in the SSA’s Notice of Disapproved Claim—is crucial for crafting a successful appeal.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Key Regulations Every Louisiana Claimant Should Know

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.909 – Allows 60 days (plus a presumed five-day mailing period) to request reconsideration.

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.933 – Sets the same 60-day limit for requesting an ALJ hearing after an unfavorable reconsideration decision.

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.968 – Governs Appeals Council review.

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.981 – Outlines the right to file a civil action in U.S. District Court within 60 days of an Appeals Council denial.

Attorney Representation Rules

Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1705, any representative must be either an attorney in good standing—licensed by the Louisiana State Bar Association in this jurisdiction—or a non-attorney who meets SSA criteria. SSA regulates fees, which usually cannot exceed 25 percent of past-due benefits or $7,200, whichever is lower, without special approval (20 C.F.R. § 404.1720).

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Reconsideration

File Form SSA-561 within 60 days. Provide supplementary medical records, especially from Louisiana-based providers like Ochsner Health System or Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. You may also submit a physician’s opinion on your functional limitations (Form SSA-827 authorization is typically required).

2. ALJ Hearing

• Where? Louisiana hearings are usually scheduled at the Metairie, Shreveport, or Alexandria Office of Hearings Operations (OHO). Video hearings are also available.

Preparation Tips

  - Request your exhibit file from SSA’s *Electronic Records Express*.

  - Prepare testimony about daily limitations, medication side-effects, and work history.

  - Cross-examine any vocational or medical experts.

3. Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ denies your claim, you have 60 days to request Appeals Council review in Falls Church, Virginia. Submit written arguments highlighting errors of law or fact.

4. Federal Court Action

The final step is filing a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Middle, or Western District of Louisiana. You must have exhausted all administrative remedies first.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Although you can represent yourself, statistics published by the SSA show that claimants represented by attorneys have higher approval rates at the ALJ level. A louisiana disability attorney can:

• Collect and submit targeted medical evidence.

• Prepare you and witnesses for testimony.

• Identify procedural errors under 20 C.F.R. § 404.940 regarding ALJ impartiality.

• Handle federal-court briefing if necessary.

Fee agreements are contingency-based: no win, no fee.

Local Resources & Next Steps in Louisiana

SSA Field Offices

New Orleans Field Office 400 Poydras St., Suite 500, New Orleans, LA 70130 Baton Rouge Field Office 5455 Bankers Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Shreveport Field Office 1240 S. Pointe Pkwy., Shreveport, LA 71105

Disability Determination Services (DDS)

The Louisiana DDS, located in Baton Rouge, makes the initial and reconsideration decisions. You can submit new evidence directly to DDS at 627 North 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.

Community Health Providers

• Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans

• University Medical Center – Lafayette

• Willis-Knighton Health System – Shreveport

These facilities often provide the specialized documentation needed to satisfy SSA’s objective medical evidence rules in 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520.

Additional Support

SSA Official Appeals Portal Louisiana State Bar Association Attorney Directory Louisiana Disability Statistics Code of Federal Regulations – SSA Titles

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information for Louisiana residents. It is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Louisiana attorney for advice about your specific situation.

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