SSDI Lawyers Near Me: Aurora (CO), Texas Denial Guide
8/23/2025 | 1 min read
Introduction: Why This Guide Matters in Aurora (CO), Texas
Receiving a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) denial can be overwhelming, especially for residents of Aurora (CO), Texas—a small Wise County community about an hour from downtown Fort Worth. While Aurora’s population is tiny, its workers still pay FICA taxes and have the same right to federal disability benefits as claimants in Dallas or Houston. Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) rejected roughly 67% of initial SSDI applications nationwide in 2022, according to SSA data. Knowing your next steps is critical because you have a limited window—usually 60 days—to keep your claim alive. This 2,500-plus-word guide explains your federal rights, outlines the four-level appeals process, cites the controlling regulations, and points you to local resources—Fort Worth and Weatherford SSA field offices, area medical providers, and legal aid groups—that can make a real difference for Aurora (CO) claimants.
Throughout, we slightly favor the claimant’s perspective while remaining strictly factual and rooted in authoritative federal sources such as the Social Security Act, the Code of Federal Regulations, and published SSA Program Operations Manual System (POMS) provisions. If you are searching online for “SSDI denial appeal Aurora (CO) Texas” or “Aurora (CO) disability attorney,” you are in the right place.
Understanding Your SSDI Rights
The Legal Foundation
Your right to disability benefits comes from Title II of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §401 et seq. To qualify under 42 U.S.C. §423(d) and 20 C.F.R. §404.1505, you must prove:
- You have a severe medically determinable impairment.
- The impairment has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 continuous months (or result in death).
- You cannot perform “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) either in your past work or any other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy.
Importantly, the burden of proof is on you, the claimant, at the initial, reconsideration, and hearing levels. However, once you establish that you cannot perform any past relevant work, the burden shifts to SSA to show that other work exists in the national economy (see Social Security Ruling 83-05).### Your Work Credits
Because SSDI is an insurance program, you earn “quarters of coverage” (work credits) by paying FICA taxes. Most adults must have earned at least 20 credits in the 10 years before disability onset (20 C.F.R. §404.130). Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
Key Deadlines
- Application filing period: Generally within five years of when you last met insured status.
- Appeal of an adverse action: 60 days from receipt of any denial notice (plus five mailing days)—20 C.F.R. §404.909(a).
- Federal court review: Must file civil action within 60 days of the Appeals Council’s final decision—42 U.S.C. §405(g).
Missing a deadline usually means starting over—an outcome you want to avoid.
Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims
Understanding why claims are denied helps you prepare stronger appeals. Based on SSA Annual Statistical Reports and federal case law, the most frequent reasons include:
- Medical evidence is insufficient. Many initial applications lack objective findings (MRI, CT, lab work) to support self-reported symptoms.
- Failure to follow prescribed treatment. Under 20 C.F.R. §404.1530, you must follow doctors’ orders unless you have a “good reason.”
- Earnings above SGA. If you earned more than $1,470 per month in 2023 ($2,460 if blind), SSA presumes you are not disabled.
- Impairment not severe for 12 months. Short-term conditions typically do not qualify (20 C.F.R. §404.1509).
- Lack of recent work credits. Claimants may meet the medical standard but lose because insured status expired.
- Substance use material to disability. SSA must disregard limitations caused by drug or alcohol addiction (20 C.F.R. §404.1535).
Each reason requires a different response in your appeal—additional records, vocational evidence, or clarification of work history.
Federal Legal Protections & Regulations
The Five-Step Sequential Evaluation
Every adjudicator—Disability Examiner, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), Appeals Council—must apply the five-step test outlined in 20 C.F.R. §404.1520:
- Are you working at SGA level?
- Do you have a severe impairment?
- Does the impairment meet or medically equal a Listing (Appendix 1 to Subpart P of Part 404)?
- Can you perform past relevant work?
- Can you adjust to other work considering age, education, and residual functional capacity (RFC)?
If SSA errs at any step, federal courts routinely remand. For example, the Fifth Circuit vacated an ALJ decision for failing to evaluate all severe impairments in Lopez v. Berryhill, 707 F. App’x 179 (5th Cir. 2017).
Right to Representation
Under 20 C.F.R. §404.1705, you may appoint an attorney or qualified non-attorney to represent you at any stage. Fees are capped at 25% of past-due benefits or $7,200, whichever is less (42 U.S.C. §406(a) as amended in 2022). In Texas, attorneys must hold an active State Bar of Texas license and follow Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.
Access to Your Claims File
The Privacy Act of 1974 and 20 C.F.R. §401.40 give you the right to review and copy your entire electronic folder (e-Folder). Doing so lets you verify that consultative exam reports, vocational assessments, and treating-source opinions are actually in the record.
Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial
1. Read the Denial Letter Carefully
The notice specifies the medical and non-medical findings SSA relied on. Highlight every cited exhibit number.
2. File a Request for Reconsideration (First Appeal)
You have 60 days (20 C.F.R. §404.909). File online at SSA.gov, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office. For Aurora (CO) claimants, the closest offices are:
- Fort Worth (Downtown): 819 Taylor St., Room 1A02, Fort Worth, TX 76102
- Weatherford: 2401 Plaza Pkwy, Suite 200, Weatherford, TX 76086
Call ahead (800-772-1213) to confirm hours and whether appointments are needed.
3. Submit Additional Evidence
Under 20 C.F.R. §404.1512(a), you must inform SSA of all treating sources. Obtain:
- Updated office notes, imaging, and lab results.
- Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) evaluations on SSA-4734 or similar forms.
- Statements from employers, co-workers, or family describing functional limitations.
4. Prepare for an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing
If reconsideration is denied—common in Texas—file a hearing request within 60 days (20 C.F.R. §404.933). Hearings for Aurora residents are usually assigned to the Fort Worth ODAR (Office of Hearings Operations) at 819 Taylor St. ALJ approval rates averaged 54% in fiscal year 2022, according to SSA’s public ALJ disposition data.
At the hearing you can:
- Testify about pain, fatigue, and daily activities.
- Cross-examine the vocational expert (VE).
- Submit written briefs citing Listings and vocational rules (the Medical–Vocational Guidelines at 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpt. P, App. 2).
5. Appeals Council Review
If the ALJ denies your claim, request Appeals Council review (20 C.F.R. §404.967). The Council can remand, reverse, or deny review. Include legal arguments—e.g., ALJ failed to evaluate treating-source opinions per 20 C.F.R. §404.1520c.
6. Federal Court Civil Action
Your last resort is filing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, within 60 days of the Appeals Council’s decision (42 U.S.C. §405(g)). Federal judges review whether findings are supported by “substantial evidence.” Successful litigants often win remand for further proceedings.
When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals
Many Aurora (CO) claimants handle the initial and reconsideration levels alone; however, data published in SSA’s Annual Report shows that represented claimants are about three times more likely to win at the ALJ stage. Consider retaining counsel when:
- Your impairment involves complex medical issues (e.g., multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury).
- SSA questions work credits or onset date.
- You have prior denials and need to reopen earlier applications (20 C.F.R. §404.988).
- You are approaching the date last insured (DLI) and must prove disability before that date.
A qualified aurora (co) disability attorney can:
- Ensure deadlines are met.
- Draft pre-hearing briefs centered on Fifth Circuit precedent.
- Arrange medical or vocational experts.
- Negotiate on-the-record (OTR) decisions to avoid a hearing.
Local Resources & Next Steps
SSA Field Offices Serving Aurora (CO), Texas
- Fort Worth – South: 2901 Alta Mesa Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76133
- Denton: 2201 Colorado Blvd., Denton, TX 76205
Check SSA’s office locator before visiting: SSA Field Office Locator.### Regional Medical Facilities
- Wise Health System, 2000 S. FM 51, Decatur, TX 76234 – full-service hospital providing imaging and specialist referrals.
- John Peter Smith (JPS) Health Network, 1500 S. Main St., Fort Worth, TX 76104 – Level I trauma center often used for consultative exams.
Legal Aid & Community Organizations
- Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas – Offers free disability claim assistance to income-eligible residents.
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid – May handle disability overpayment disputes in adjacent counties.
Authoritative References
For further study, consult:
SSA Disability Benefits Overview20 C.F.R. Part 404 – Federal RegulationsRelevant Social Security Act Amendments
Conclusion
Although Aurora (CO), Texas is small, your SSDI claim is governed by the same federal rules that apply nationwide. Understanding the five-step evaluation, meeting strict deadlines, and developing strong medical and vocational evidence will improve your odds. When in doubt, seek qualified representation early.
Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. 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.
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