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Third & Fourth Levels of Appeal: Appeal Council & Federal District Court

Just because the Administrative Law Judge returned an unfavorable decision, it does not mean the game is over and you have to start the Social Security disability process over again. Your Sugar Land disability attorney can help you file a request for review with the Appeals Council. And if the Appeals Council appeal also denies your claim, you can further file an appeal in Federal District Court.

Appeals Council Process

The Appeals Council will review the administrative law judge’s decision (ALJ) along with your entire Social Security disability file and any other evidence your Sugar Land disability attorney submits. The Appeals Council will specifically look to see if the judge committed any legal or procedural errors and whether all of the evidence you provided was properly considered.

In its review of your disability file, the Appeals Council has three options:

  • Deny your request for review, in which case you can proceed to the next level of appeal.
  • Remand the case to the ALJ, in which case your file will be scheduled for another hearing before the ALJ.
  • Issue a new decision, in which case you will be awarded Social Security disability benefits.

  • If your case is denied at this level of appeal, it is imperative that you or your Sugar Land disability attorney files an appeal in federal district court within the 60-day deadline.

    Federal District Court

    The next level of appeal in the Social Security disability claims process is filing a civil action in the United States District Court for the district where you live. At this level, the court makes the decision as to whether affirm, modify or reverse the decision of the Appeals Court, with or without remanding the case for a rehearing.

    We Can Help You Get Disability Benefits

    If you are suffering from a physical or mental condition that prevents you from being gainfully employed, it is in your best interest to hire a Sugar Land disability attorney to help you file a Social Security disability claim.

    To schedule a free consultation with Sugar Land disability attorney Dana Speer, call (713) 857-2123.

     

    Dana Speer

    713-857-2123 Direct Line
    877-373-5105 Direct Fax

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Disclaimer: The information set forth on this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and e-mails. This site is not affiliated in any way with the Social Security Administration and the term “social security lawyer” does not mean a lawyer or attorney who is affiliated with the Social Security Administration.