- Initial
- Reconsideration
- Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
- Appeals Council
- Federal Court Appeal
Initial and Reconsideration Levels
At the Initial and Reconsideration levels, a doctor from the Social Security Administration that has never met you personally is evaluating your medical evidence to determine whether you can work full time at your past jobs as actually or generally performed or any other job in the national economy on a full-time basis. These doctors are also evaluating whether you meet what is known as a medical listing. At these first two levels of the appeals process, Mignini, Raab, Demuth, Murahari & Melanson, LLP will help you fight back against their philosophy of denial. Contact us today to learn more. Back to Levels
Hearing Level
At the Hearing level, there is a long wait time before you actually get a hearing date. There are critical decisions to be made during this wait time such as whether or not to object to a video-teleconference hearing. MRD&M will help you make the right choice, by focusing on which jurisdiction you are located in. We will also assist you in medical development prior to your hearing. We also provide you with multiple rounds of preparation before your hearing. Contact us today to learn more. Back to Levels
Appeals Council Level
If you are denied by and Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), your next step is filing an appeal before the Appeals Council. The primary goal at this level is to get your case “remanded” or sent back to the ALJ to fix certain legal errors. This will also give you another opportunity to win your back pay. If you do not partake in this level, you are essentially giving up on your back pay. MRD&M will evaluate your case and give you sound advice on how to proceed and what to expect at this level. Contact us today to learn more. Back to Levels
Federal Court Level
If you are denied by the Appeals Council your case is essentially over. However, MRD&M will be able to determine whether your case is strong enough to file a “Civil Action” (appeal to the federal court level). Our firm has been handling such complex federal court appeals for over 35 years. From 2018-2019, our firm obtained over 100 remands in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. In federal court we are not necessarily arguing you are disabled, we are arguing whether or not the ALJ made a legal error. This process involves labor intensive writing. Ultimately if you win in federal court, your case will either be remanded (sent back to the ALJ) for a new hearing or be reversed (reversals are very rare). If remanded, you will then have another chance to win all of your back pay by attending a remand hearing before an ALJ. Contact us today to learn more. Back to Levels
Disposition Data
If you have been denied at any level, please contact our office so we can discuss your case in further detail (We offer tailored consultations). We provide representation at every level of the appeals process and take pride in ensuring that all of our clients understand the process. Mignini, Raab, Demuth, Murahari & Melanson, LLP will help you build your case from the very beginning, so you will not have regrets later on. Contact us today! Back to Levels
