SSDI Denial Guide for Nevada, NV Claimants

Introduction: Why This SSDI Denial Guide Matters to Nevadans

Nevada workers pay into Social Security with every paycheck. When an injury or illness keeps you from earning a substantial income, those contributions should provide a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) safety net. Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) initially denies roughly two-thirds of all SSDI applications nationwide, and Nevada claimants are no exception. If you live in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, or any of Nevada’s rural counties, a denial letter can feel like the end of the road—yet federal law gives you several opportunities to appeal. This 2,500-plus-word guide explains your rights, strict deadlines, key federal regulations, and the local resources available to help you turn that ‘No’ into a ‘Yes.’

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

The Federal Promise Behind SSDI

SSDI is a federally administered insurance program created under Title II of the Social Security Act. If you have earned enough work credits and meet the SSA’s definition of disability, you are entitled to monthly cash benefits and, after 24 months, Medicare coverage. The governing regulations appear in 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1505–404.1599, which spell out the proof required to show your condition is ‘severe,’ ‘medically determinable,’ and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Your Right to Due Process

Section 205(b) of the Social Security Act guarantees every applicant the right to a meaningful appeal. That promise is implemented in 20 C.F.R. § 404.900, which sets out a four-level review system: Reconsideration, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, Appeals Council review, and finally federal district court litigation. Each level re-examines the medical and vocational evidence—and gives you a new chance to submit stronger proof.

Key Takeaways for Nevada Claimants

• You have 60 days from receipt of any adverse SSA decision to file the next appeal.

• You may appoint an attorney or qualified representative at any stage (20 C.F.R. § 404.1705).

• Attorney’s fees are generally capped at 25 percent of past-due benefits, subject to SSA approval.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Understanding why you were denied is the first step to building a successful appeal. The SSA’s denial rationale typically falls into three broad categories:

1. Technical (Non-Medical) Denials

Technical denials happen before your medical records are even reviewed. The SSA in Nevada may conclude you lack sufficient work credits or that you are still engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2024, SGA is $1,550 per month for non-blind claimants. Earning above that threshold almost always triggers a technical denial.

2. Insufficient Medical Evidence

The SSA contracts with Disability Determination Services (DDS) in Nevada to assess medical eligibility. DDS examiners must see objective signs (lab tests, imaging, specialist notes) showing that your impairment meets the severity criteria outlined in Part A of the SSA’s Listing of Impairments. Missing records, incomplete imaging, or inconsistent treatment histories often lead DDS to conclude that your condition is not severe enough, not long-lasting enough, or not well documented.

3. Ability to Perform Past or Other Work

Even if you do not meet a Listing, you can still qualify by showing an inability to perform any work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy (20 C.F.R. § 404.1520(g)). Examiners rely on the Dictionary of Occupational Titles and vocational guidelines known as the ‘Grid Rules.’ If they believe you can perform sedentary or light work, they will issue a medical-vocational denial.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

The Four-Step Appeals Process Explained

• Reconsideration (20 C.F.R. § 404.907): A different DDS team reviews your file. You may submit new evidence.

• ALJ Hearing (20 C.F.R. § 404.929): Conducted by an independent judge—usually by video from the SSA’s Office of Hearing Operations (OHO) in Las Vegas. You may testify, call witnesses, and cross-examine vocational experts.

• Appeals Council (20 C.F.R. § 404.967): The Council in Falls Church, Virginia, reviews the ALJ’s decision for legal or factual errors.

• Federal District Court (42 U.S.C. § 405(g)): For Nevada residents, this final review occurs in the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, with courthouses in Las Vegas and Reno.

Statutes of Limitations You Must Know

• 60 Days: Time to file any appeal level after receiving a denial notice (plus five days for mail).

• 12 Months: Time to request reopening of a prior determination for ‘good cause.’

• Four Years: Maximum reopening window for Title II cases if new and material evidence exists (20 C.F.R. § 404.988).

Nevada Bar and Attorney Licensing Rules

Attorneys who represent SSDI claimants in Nevada must be admitted to the State Bar of Nevada, adhere to the Nevada Rules of Professional Conduct, and, if appearing in federal court, be admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada. Non-attorney representatives must meet SSA’s eligibility criteria and may need special authorization from the Commissioner.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Read the Denial Letter Carefully

The SSA denial notice will specify whether your case was denied for technical or medical reasons. It also lists the evidence relied upon and states the 60-day deadline.

2. Gather & Submit Missing Evidence

• Request complete medical records from Nevada providers such as University Medical Center of Southern Nevada or Renown Regional Medical Center.

• Ask treating physicians to complete residual functional capacity (RFC) questionnaires.

• Document all emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and specialist referrals.

3. File a Timely Request for Reconsideration

You can submit SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) online or at a local field office. Nevada’s busiest offices include:

• Las Vegas SSA Field Office: 1250 S. Buffalo Dr., Suite 150, Las Vegas, NV 89117

• Reno SSA Field Office: 1170 Harvard Way, Reno, NV 89502

• Henderson SSA Field Office: 10416 S. Eastern Ave., Henderson, NV 89052

4. Prepare for the ALJ Hearing

Once you receive a hearing date, review the entire SSA exhibit file via your my Social Security account or at the OHO. Effective preparation often involves:

• Drafting an opening brief explaining how your symptoms satisfy Listing criteria or preclude work.

• Securing updated diagnostic tests (e.g., MRIs from Desert Radiology in Las Vegas).

• Practicing testimony focused on functional limitations—not just diagnoses.

• Arranging witness statements from former employers or caregivers.

5. Escalate to the Appeals Council or Federal Court When Necessary

If the ALJ denies your claim, you—or your attorney—may request Appeals Council review online or by mailing Form HA-520. Should the Council deny or issue an unfavorable decision, the final avenue is filing a civil action in the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada within 60 days of the Appeals Council’s notice.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Although the SSA allows self-representation, statistics show claimants with legal counsel have higher success rates, especially at the ALJ and federal court levels. An experienced nevada disability attorney can:

• Obtain and organize thousands of pages of medical evidence.

• Cross-examine vocational experts to challenge flawed job numbers.

• Draft persuasive legal briefs citing 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P and relevant Ninth Circuit case law.

• Ensure compliance with all SSA and court deadlines.

Under SSA rules, attorneys work on a contingency basis—if you do not win back benefits, they do not get paid. The SSA must approve any fee agreement, and a fee cap of $7,200 or 25 percent of past-due benefits (whichever is less) generally applies (20 C.F.R. § 404.1728).

Local Resources & Next Steps

Nevada Vocational & Medical Support

Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division – Helps disabled adults access community resources. Nevada Legislative Information – Disability-related statutes State Bar of Nevada Lawyer Referral – Find licensed SSDI attorneys.

SSA Administrative Contacts

• Nevada DDS: 6930 W. Oquendo Rd., Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89113; Phone: (702) 486-0540

• OHO Las Vegas: 7455 W. Washington Ave., Suite 140, Las Vegas, NV 89128; Hearing Office Code: LSV

Federal Courts Serving Nevada

• U.S. District Court – Las Vegas: 333 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89101

• U.S. District Court – Reno: 400 S. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89501

Checklist: Strengthening Your SSDI Appeal

• Mark the 60-day appeal deadline on your calendar.

• Request a complete copy of your SSA exhibit file.

• Compile updated medical evidence and RFC forms.

• Consider hiring a Nevada-licensed SSDI attorney.

• Prepare concise, symptom-focused testimony.

• Stay in treatment and document all appointments.

Conclusion

Receiving an SSDI denial in Nevada is discouraging, but it is far from final. Federal regulations, robust due-process protections, and local support systems give you multiple chances to prove your disability. By meeting deadlines, bolstering your medical record, and—when appropriate—working with an experienced SSDI appeals lawyer, you can maximize your odds of a favorable decision.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations change, and every case is unique. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Nevada attorney.

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