SSDI Lawyers Near Me: Irving, Texas Denial Appeal Guide

Introduction: Why This SSDI Denial Appeal Guide Matters to Irving, Texas Claimants

Irving, Texas sits at the heart of Dallas County’s vibrant Metroplex. Thousands of residents work in aviation, technology, and healthcare, yet a significant number face long-term medical conditions that force them out of the workforce. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reported that more than 67% of initial Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications nationwide were denied.1 Claimants in Irving are no exception. Understanding why denials occur, the federal rules that protect you, and the specific steps to appeal can be the difference between financial stability and ongoing uncertainty. This 2,500-plus word guide—anchored in authoritative sources such as the Social Security Act, 20 C.F.R. Part 404, and published SSA data—walks you through every stage of the SSDI appeal process with a slight, evidence-based tilt toward protecting claimants. You’ll also find contact details for the SSA field office that serves Irving, nearby hearing offices, and local medical and legal resources that can strengthen your claim.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

Who Is Insured Under SSDI?

SSDI is an earned benefit. If you paid Social Security (FICA) taxes and accumulated sufficient quarters of coverage (20 C.F.R. § 404.130), you are insured. That means you and certain family members may collect monthly cash benefits if a medically determinable impairment keeps you from substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death (20 C.F.R. § 404.1505).

Key Rights Guaranteed by Federal Law

• The Right to Written Notice – Under Social Security Act § 205(b) (42 U.S.C. § 405(b)), SSA must provide written notice of any adverse action, including the specific reasons for denial.

• The Right to Appeal – You have four levels of appeal, each protected by statute and regulation (20 C.F.R. §§ 404.907–404.981).

• The Right to Representation – Claimants may appoint a qualified representative, including an attorney licensed in Texas (20 C.F.R. § 404.1705).

• The Right to Access Your File – You can review and copy the evidence SSA used, allowing you to correct inaccuracies.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Even a well-documented disability can be denied for technical or medical reasons. Below are the most frequent pitfalls cited in SSA statistics and federal case law:

• Insufficient Work Credits – For most adults, you must have worked five of the last ten years. Missing credits leads to a technical denial.

• Earnings Above SGA – If your average monthly earnings exceed the SGA limit ($1,470 for non-blind individuals in 2023), SSA assumes you can engage in competitive employment.

• Lack of Objective Medical Evidence – Medical diagnoses alone are not enough; SSA requires clinical or laboratory findings that substantiate functional limitations (20 C.F.R. § 404.1513).

Non-Severe Impairment Finding – At Step Two of the five-step sequential evaluation, adjudicators may conclude your impairment causes only minimal limitations.

• Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment – Ignoring treatment without acceptable reason can defeat your claim (20 C.F.R. § 404.1530).

• Failure to Cooperate – Missing Consultative Examinations (CEs) or refusing to provide requested records often results in denial under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1518.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations You Should Know

Critical Regulations Cited in SSDI Appeals

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520 – Establishes the five-step sequential evaluation process used to decide disability.

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.1519a – Governs when SSA can order a CE at its expense.

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.935 – Deadlines and requirements for submitting evidence before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing.

• 20 C.F.R. § 404.984 – Procedures for Appeals Council remand cases.

• Social Security Ruling (SSR) 16-3p – Clarifies how SSA evaluates symptoms such as pain and fatigue.

Statute of Limitations for Appeals

You must adhere to strict time limits. Missing a deadline generally ends your claim unless you demonstrate good cause (20 C.F.R. § 404.911):

• Reconsideration – File within 60 days of the date on the denial notice.

• ALJ Hearing – Request within 60 days of the Reconsideration denial.

• Appeals Council Review – File within 60 days of the ALJ’s decision.

• Federal District Court – Initiate civil action within 60 days of Appeals Council’s denial or dismissal.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Read the Denial Letter Carefully

The notice identifies medical and technical reasons for denial. Compare SSA’s rationale with your medical evidence to spot gaps.

2. File a Timely Request for Reconsideration

Use SSA’s online appeals portal (ssa.gov/benefits/disability/appeal) or submit Form SSA-561. In Texas, electronic filing is processed immediately and time-stamped.

3. Bolster Your Medical Evidence

• Request up-to-date imaging studies, lab results, and functional assessments (e.g., residual functional capacity reports) from Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Irving or other treating facilities.

• Ask physicians to detail work-related limitations rather than mere diagnoses.

• Gather third-party statements from family, friends, or former employers describing your daily limitations.

4. Track Your Submission Deadlines

Under 20 C.F.R. § 404.935, any evidence must be submitted at least five business days before your ALJ hearing unless you show good cause.

5. Prepare for the ALJ Hearing

• Review Your Exhibit File – Available in the Electronic Records Express (ERE) system.

• Draft a Pre-Hearing Brief – Outline why you meet or equal a Listing in 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1, or cannot sustain SGA based on residual functional capacity.

• Plan Testimony – Be ready to answer questions on work history, symptoms, and treatment compliance.

6. Consider Appeals Council and Federal Court Options

If an ALJ denies your claim, a written brief to the Appeals Council can point to factual errors or new evidence. According to SSA’s 2022 data, roughly 13% of Council reviews result in a favorable outcome or remand.2 Should the Council deny review, you may file a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas (Dallas Division).

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Advantages of Working With an Irving Disability Attorney

• Evidence Development – Attorneys know how to collect treating-source statements that satisfy 20 C.F.R. § 404.1527 (for pre-March 2017 claims) or 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520c (post-March 2017 claims).

• Cross-Examination Skills – An attorney can question Vocational Experts (VEs) about job-number methodology and transferable skills.

• No Up-Front Fees – Under 42 U.S.C. § 406(a), attorney fees are contingency-based and capped at 25% of past-due benefits (not to exceed $7,200 as of 2023).

• Local Knowledge – Irving attorneys understand the preferences of Dallas-area ALJs and the evidence standards at the Dallas Hearing Office.

Choosing the Right Representative

In Texas, attorneys must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas and in good standing. You can verify licensure at texasbar.com. Non-attorney representatives must receive SSA-approved credentialing. Always request a written fee agreement and disclosure of any ancillary costs.

Local Resources & Next Steps

SSA Field Office Serving Irving

Using SSA’s official office locator (ssa.gov/locator), Irving ZIP codes (75060-75063) are directed to the Grand Prairie Field Office:

Grand Prairie SSA Field Office 2010 N State Highway 360, Suite 100 Grand Prairie, TX 75050 Phone: 866-657-3406 Hours: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Mon–Fri

Hearing Office (OHO) for Irving Residents

Disability hearings are generally held at the Dallas Office of Hearings Operations (OHO):

• Room 620, 1301 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75202

Major Medical Facilities for Evidence Collection

• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Irving (1901 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75061)

• UT Southwestern Medical Center (6201 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390)

• Parkland Health & Hospital System (5200 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235)

Community Support Organizations

• Disability Rights Texas – Provides advocacy and legal referrals.

• Texas Workforce Commission – Vocational Rehabilitation Services – Offers assessments and job-placement assistance.

What to Do Now

Act promptly. Mark your 60-day Reconsideration deadline on a calendar, request medical records, and consider scheduling a free consultation with an Irving disability attorney to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your appeal.

Conclusion

An SSDI denial is not the end—it is often the beginning of a multi-stage appeal where properly presented evidence can result in an award of retroactive benefits and ongoing monthly income. By knowing your rights under the Social Security Act and 20 C.F.R., meeting every deadline, and leveraging local Irving resources, you maximize your chances of success.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Laws and regulations can change, and application to individual situations varies. Consult a licensed Texas attorney for advice regarding your specific circumstances.

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

Sources:

1 SSA Disability Statistical Annual Report

2 SSA Appeals Council Disposition Data FY 2022

Additional Reference: Code of Federal Regulations, Part 404