NASHVILLE TENNESSEE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYER

Filing your initial Social Security disability claim in Nashville Tennessee and appealing its likely denial

People in Nashville Tennessee who are thinking about applying for Social Security disability often ask whether they need an attorney to file their initial application. The application process is simple, so claimants can easily file on their own.

Most applicants will be denied and need to appeal, which is when an experienced Social Security disability attorney can minimize frustration and make a difference in the outcome.

Filing your own claim

You can complete your initial Social Security disability claim at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/.

However, most claimants initiate their claims by telephoning a Social Security Administration teleservice center at 800-772-1213. If you phone a teleservice center, the staff will make an appointment for you with a Social Security Administration representative from the local office. If you prefer, an appointment can be made to go to a local Social Security office to complete an application in person, though most claimants make a telephone appointment for a Social Security Administration claims representative to call the claimant back at an appointed hour.

During the appointment, you will be asked basic information, which will be entered into a computer application form that will be printed and, if it is a telephone interview, will be mailed to you for signature, along with other forms to be completed and signed.

Initial determinations

At the initial and reconsideration levels the Social Security Administration does not make medical determinations of disability. Instead, claims are referred to an agency of the state government that has a contract with the Social Security Administration for determining disability. At the state agency a medical doctor and a non-attorney, called a disability examiner, evaluate the claim. They deny two-thirds of applications.

If you are one of those two-thirds who are denied, you may appeal. Since over half of those who appeal are ultimately awarded benefits, you should definitely appeal if you believe you are unable to work.

In Tennessee, this Social Security disability appeal is a Request for Reconsideration. If you request reconsideration, a different team will evaluate your application, but the result will probably be the same. Few reconsideration determinations result in a claimant receiving benefits. The next step is to request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is where your odds of success dramatically improve.

Assistance from an experienced Nashville Social Security attorney

If you live in the greater Nashville Tennessee area and your application for Social Security disability benefits has been denied, I can help you with your appeal and hearing in front of an administrative law judge.

Please provide a brief description of your claim using the form to the right, and I will respond promptly. Or you may contact me at:

E-mail
Phone: 615-789-5958
Fax: 615-789-4142

Valuable information on my website

I also encourage you to review this website. Its 100 pages are loaded with usable information and detailed answers, including:

Are you thinking about applying?

  • The Are You Likely to Qualify video provides a straightforward verbal introduction to disability determination.
  • 9 Tips for Applying sheds additional light on what the Social Security Administration seeks before awarding benefits.
  • My answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Nashville Social Security disability provide a good introduction if you are new to the topic.
  • To understand how SSA evaluates particular impairments and obtain valuable medical opinion forms, go to our Library below and see Applying for Disability Benefits When….
 Has your application been denied?

  • Our downloadable and free e-booklet, Appealing a Denial of Benefits, provides practical advice. See the upper right-hand corner of this page.
  • For a straightforward and visual explanation of how an administrative law judge will assess your eligibility, see the top of this page for our video How the Judge Determines Disability.
  • Review the articles in Your Disability Hearing (also in our Library below) for an inside look at the most important part of the disability evaluation process.