SSDI Lawyers: Denial Appeal Guide for College Station, TX

Introduction: Why This SSDI Denial Appeal Guide Matters to College Station Residents

If you live in College Station, Texas and received a notice of denial from the Social Security Administration (SSA), you are not alone. According to SSA data, more than half of initial Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are denied nationwide. While these statistics can feel discouraging, the federal appeals process—grounded in 20 C.F.R. § 404.900 and Section 205(b) of the Social Security Act—offers several opportunities to overturn an incorrect decision. This comprehensive guide explains each step, cites controlling federal regulations, and highlights local resources such as the Bryan Social Security field office that serves College Station. Throughout, we take a claimant-friendly approach, emphasizing practical actions you can take today to protect your right to benefits.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

The Federal Right to Appeal

The Social Security Act guarantees every claimant the right to written notice of a decision and “reasonable opportunity” to contest it (42 U.S.C. § 405(b)). Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.909, you generally have 60 days from the date you receive the denial letter to request reconsideration. Missing this deadline can forfeit your claim, so mark the date immediately.

Five-Step Disability Evaluation Process

SSA adjudicators and Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) apply a uniform five-step test codified at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520:

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) – Are you working above SGA levels?

• Severity – Does your impairment significantly limit basic work activities?

• Listings – Does your condition meet or equal one of the impairments in the Listing of Impairments (Appendix 1 to Subpart P)?

• Past Relevant Work – Can you perform work you have done in the past 15 years?

• Other Work – Can you adjust to any other work in the national economy?

Knowing where your application faltered in this sequence helps you build a targeted appeal.

Evidentiary Standards

The burden of proof remains on the claimant through Step 4. At Step 5, the burden shifts to SSA to show you can perform other work (Lora v. Colvin, 2015). Supplying objective medical evidence—imaging, laboratory results, physician treatment notes—remains the single most effective way to satisfy these standards.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

1. Insufficient Medical Evidence

SSA often denies claims because medical records do not substantiate functional limitations. In College Station, many claimants obtain care from Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – College Station or CHI St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital. Make sure your providers complete Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) forms and respond promptly to SSA’s requests.

2. Substantial Gainful Activity Above Federal Threshold

If you earned more than the monthly SGA limit—$1,470 for non-blind claimants in 2023—before your alleged onset date, SSA may conclude you are not disabled. Provide pay stubs, employer statements, and a clear timeline to rebut incorrect earnings information.

3. Non-Compliance With Prescribed Treatment

Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1530, failing to follow prescribed treatment without good reason can sink an otherwise strong claim. If you stopped medication because of cost, side effects, or religious beliefs, document those reasons.

4. Failure to Cooperate With SSA Requests

Missing consultative examinations, questionnaires, or phone interviews gives SSA grounds to deny claims under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1518. Keep copies of every notice and track deadlines.

5. Duration Requirement Not Met

Your impairment must last, or be expected to last, at least 12 continuous months (20 C.F.R. § 404.1509). Acute injuries that improve quickly usually fail this test.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Key Statutes and Regulations

• Social Security Act § 205(b) – Guarantees due-process hearings and written decisions.

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.900-404.999 – Governs the four-level administrative review process (reconsideration, ALJ hearing, Appeals Council, federal court).

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.1710-1720 – Regulates attorney fees (usually capped at 25% of past-due benefits or $7,200, whichever is less).

• Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) – Allows successful federal plaintiffs to recover attorney fees from the government in certain circumstances.

Texas-Specific Attorney Rules

Any lawyer representing you before SSA must be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas and comply with the SSA’s Rules of Conduct and Standards of Responsibility. Representation is generally on contingency—no fee unless you win back benefits.

Statute of Limitations for Federal Court

If the Appeals Council denies review, you have 60 days to file a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Waco Division (20 C.F.R. § 422.210). Filing even one day late can be fatal unless you show “good cause.”

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Read the Notice of Disapproved Claim Carefully

The denial letter states “technical” versus “medical” reasons, applicable regulations, and exhibits used. Identify the exact deficiency before appealing.

2. Request Reconsideration (First Appeal Level)

Submit SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) within 60 days. In Texas, reconsideration decisions average 3-6 months. Provide any new medical records or vocational evidence.

3. Prepare for the Administrative Law Judge Hearing

• Gather Updated Medical Records: Request records from local providers such as Texas A&M Health Center and CapRock Health.

• Draft a Pre-Hearing Brief: Outline how evidence satisfies each step of 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520.

• Line Up Witnesses: Family, former supervisors, or vocational experts can testify about your limitations.

• Review the Exhibit File (E-Folder): You or your representative may access the electronic folder through Appointed Representative Services (ARS). Correct any errors promptly.

4. Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ denies your claim, submit form HA-520 within 60 days. The Appeals Council can: (1) deny review, (2) grant review and issue its own decision, or (3) remand for another hearing.

5. Federal District Court

When administrative remedies are exhausted, file a complaint in the Waco Division of the Western District of Texas. You must serve the U.S. Attorney, SSA’s Office of the General Counsel, and the Attorney General as required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(i).

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Advantages of Retaining a College Station Disability Attorney

• Case Evaluation: An attorney can pinpoint why SSA denied your claim and curate missing evidence.

• Hearing Strategy: Lawyers cross-examine vocational experts and object to flawed hypotheticals, a frequent reason ALJs reverse denials.

• Contingency Fees: Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1730, fees are capped and paid only if you win back benefits.

• Local Insight: Attorneys familiar with the Bryan Hearing Office (Office of Hearings Operations) understand local ALJ preferences.

Self-Representation Risks

While federal law permits self-representation, claimants without counsel have historically lower approval rates, according to SSA’s own Annual Statistical Reports. Missing deadlines or failing to submit timely medical evidence can irreversibly harm a case.

Local Resources & Next Steps

SSA Field Office Serving College Station

Bryan Social Security Office

2805 E. Villa Maria Rd.

Bryan, TX 77802

Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Wednesdays close at noon).

Phone: 866-568-9428 Appointments are recommended. Bring a valid photo ID and all SSA correspondence.

Vocational & Medical Facilities

• Work Force Solutions Brazos Valley – Offers job retraining that can document failed work attempts.

• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – College Station – Provides imaging, specialist referrals, and can supply RFC assessments.

• Texas A&M Counseling & Psychological Services – Mental health records are critical in mood or PTSD-related claims.

Community Legal Clinics

Texas Legal Services Center offers limited pro bono consultations for SSDI matters. Check eligibility requirements.

Online Filing and Status Tools

SSA Online Appeals Portal my Social Security Account 20 C.F.R. § 404.900 – Administrative Review Process

Conclusion

Facing an SSDI denial in College Station can feel overwhelming, but federal law provides multiple appeal stages designed to correct errors. By acting promptly, gathering robust medical evidence, and—when appropriate—retaining a qualified college station disability attorney, you can greatly improve your odds of success. Stay organized, know your deadlines, and use the local resources outlined above.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Texas attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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