SSDI Lawyers Near You: Irving, Texas Denial Appeal Guide

Introduction: SSDI Denials in Irving, Texas

If you live or work in Irving, Texas and your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits was denied, you are not alone. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that nationally fewer than four in ten initial SSDI claims are approved. Claimants in Dallas County, which includes Irving, experience similar numbers. A denial is discouraging, but it is not the end of your case. Federal law provides several appeal levels designed to correct errors and give you a full and fair opportunity to present medical and vocational evidence.

This guide explains the SSDI denial appeal process with a slight focus on protecting the rights of Texas claimants. It cites controlling federal statutes—including the Social Security Act—and binding regulations contained in Title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.). You will also find local information, such as the SSA office that currently processes Irving ZIP codes (identified through the SSA Office Locator) and disability-related medical providers in the area. All sources are authoritative and publicly available. Use this guide to prepare for an appeal, to decide whether you need an Irving disability attorney, and to avoid common procedural mistakes that can cause otherwise valid claims to fail.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

1. The Right to Apply and Be Evaluated Fairly

Under Section 205(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 405(b)), every worker who has paid into the Social Security system and meets insured status requirements has the right to a non-discriminatory determination of disability. SSA’s evaluation process is governed by the five-step sequential analysis in 20 C.F.R. §404.1520. This regulation requires the agency to consider medical severity, ability to perform past relevant work, age, education, and transferable skills.

2. The Right to Written Notice of a Denial

When SSA denies a claim, it must explain—in plain language—the “specific reasons” for the decision (20 C.F.R. §404.904). The notice must also describe your appeal rights, the 60-day deadline, and how to request an extension for “good cause.” Keep the denial letter; it is your roadmap for the next step.

3. The Right to Appeal Within Strict Deadlines

The Social Security Act and implementing regulations provide four sequential appeal stages:

Reconsideration – 60 days from the date you receive the denial (assumed five days after the notice is mailed) per 20 C.F.R. §404.909.

• Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing – 60 days after the reconsideration denial (20 C.F.R. §404.933).

• Appeals Council Review – 60 days following the ALJ’s unfavorable decision (20 C.F.R. §404.968).

• Federal District Court Action – 60 days after the Appeals Council denial or decision (42 U.S.C. §405(g)).

Missing these deadlines usually ends the claim unless you prove “good cause” such as hospitalization or serious mailing errors.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

1. Insufficient Medical Evidence

The SSA requires “objective medical evidence” from acceptable medical sources—physicians, psychologists, and certain specialists—documenting the existence and severity of your impairment (20 C.F.R. §404.1513). Incomplete treatment records are a leading cause of first-level denials in Irving and nationwide.

2. Too Much Recent Work Activity

To qualify, you must not be engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2024, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550 per month for non-blind claimants. Exceeding that limit generally results in denial at Step 1 of the sequential evaluation.

3. Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment

Regulation 20 C.F.R. §404.1530 allows SSA to deny benefits if the claimant fails, without good reason, to follow prescribed treatment that can restore the ability to work. Religious objections, financial hardship, or conflicting physician opinions may constitute a good reason, but they must be documented.

4. Duration Requirement Not Met

Your impairment must be expected to last at least 12 continuous months or result in death (20 C.F.R. §404.1509). Short-term limitations—even if severe—do not satisfy this threshold.

5. Insufficient Work Credits

SSDI is an insurance program. You typically need 20 quarters of coverage in the 40-quarter period before disability onset if you are over age 31. Younger claimants have modified requirements. SSA denies applications that do not meet insured status.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations Every Irving Claimant Should Know

Key Statutes and Regulations

• Social Security Act §205(b) & §223 – Define procedural due process and disability standards.

• 20 C.F.R. §404 Subpart J – Covers administrative review stages.

• 20 C.F.R. §404.951 – Grants right to representation at the ALJ hearing.

• 42 U.S.C. §1383(d) – Attorney fee provisions, incorporated by reference for SSDI under 42 U.S.C. §406.

Representation Rules

Anyone may represent you before SSA if properly designated, but only attorneys licensed by a state bar (e.g., the State Bar of Texas) or Social Security-approved non-attorney representatives can charge a fee. Fees are capped by statute at 25% of past-due benefits or $7,200 (as of 2024), whichever is less, unless increased by the Commissioner.

Evidence Rules

At each appeal level, you may submit new and material evidence. However, the Appeals Council will consider evidence only if it relates to the period on or before the date of the ALJ decision (20 C.F.R. §404.970).

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

Step 1: Read the Denial Letter Carefully

Identify the exact reasons for denial and the date of the notice. Mark your calendar 60 days out, adding an extra five days for mailing if you received the letter by mail.

Step 2: File a Timely Request for Reconsideration

Request forms are available online through your mySSA account, by telephone, or at any SSA field office. Faxed or mailed forms must be signed and complete. Keep proof of delivery.

Step 3: Bolster the Record

• Collect updated diagnostic tests or specialist reports.

• Request a detailed Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) opinion from your treating physician linking clinical findings to specific work limitations.

• Document non-medical factors: employer accommodations that failed, attendance records, and statements from family or co-workers.

Step 4: Prepare for the Administrative Law Judge Hearing

If reconsideration is denied—as happens in over 85% of Texas cases—file your hearing request. The Dallas Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) handles most Irving appeals. The ALJ hearing is de novo: the judge is not bound by previous determinations, allowing a fresh review of your entire file.

Step 5: Consider Expert Testimony

Vocational experts frequently testify at Texas ALJ hearings. You (or your attorney) may cross-examine them and present your own experts. Medical experts can clarify complex conditions such as multiple sclerosis or treatment-resistant depression.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

While you may self-represent, data from SSA’s 2023 annual report shows claimants with representation are awarded benefits at a significantly higher rate—about 60% compared with 34% for unrepresented individuals at the hearing level.

Signs You Should Consult an Irving Disability Attorney

• You have multiple impairments requiring integrated medical evidence.

• You struggle to obtain complete treatment records from hospitals such as Methodist Hospital for Surgery or Medical City Las Colinas.

• You face a complex work history (e.g., self-employment, gig economy).

• You missed an appeal deadline and need to argue “good cause.”

Attorney Licensing in Texas

Attorneys must hold an active license in good standing with the State Bar of Texas under Texas Government Code §81. A Texas licensed attorney can represent you in SSA administrative proceedings nationwide, but in federal district court your counsel must also be admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Irving-Area SSA Offices

According to the SSA Office Locator (accessed March 2024), most Irving ZIP codes are served by the Grand Prairie field office:

Social Security Administration

2010 N State Highway 360

Grand Prairie, TX 75050

Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Always verify hours and address on the SSA Office Locator before visiting, as locations occasionally change.

Medical Providers Familiar with Disability Documentation

• Parkland Irving Health Center – Offers sliding-scale primary care and can provide longitudinal treatment records.

• UT Southwestern – Las Colinas – Specialists in neurology, orthopedics, and psychiatry who often complete RFC forms.

Community Assistance

• Disability Rights Texas – The federally designated protection and advocacy agency for Texans with disabilities.

• United Way of Metropolitan Dallas 211 – Can help locate low-cost clinics to secure missing medical records.

Combining these resources with an experienced SSDI appeals lawyer can improve both the completeness of your file and your confidence at the hearing.

Conclusion

An SSDI denial is not final. By understanding federal regulations, honoring strict deadlines, building comprehensive medical evidence, and leveraging local Irving resources, you can present the strongest possible appeal. While SSA must follow the law, the burden of proof ultimately rests on you, the claimant. Strategic, claimant-focused advocacy—either self-led or with an attorney—can tilt the balance in your favor.

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

Authoritative Resources:

SSA – How to Appeal a Decision 20 C.F.R. §404.909 – Time Limits for Requesting Reconsideration 20 C.F.R. §404.1520 – Five-Step Sequential Evaluation 42 U.S.C. §405 – Federal Court Review