Every year, thousands of Colorado residents apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) only to face months of delays, incomplete documentation requests, or confusing letters from the Social Security Administration. Although SSDI is a federal benefit based on your work history, approval depends not just on your diagnosis but on how convincingly your case is presented.
At Boesen Law, our attorneys have spent decades helping people across Colorado secure the benefits they deserve. We’ve handled disability and injury cases, including complex SSDI appeals, and we understand what it takes to present a successful claim. Our Arvada SSDI lawyers help clients identify which path offers better long-term support, especially when other forms of assistance like workers’ comp or VA disability may overlap.
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
How SSDI Works and How Boesen Law Can Help You Obtain Benefits in Arvada
SSDI is a federal benefit designed to support people with long-term or permanent disabilities who have paid into the Social Security system. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is needs-based, SSDI is only available to workers who have earned enough credits through payroll taxes. To qualify, you must:
- Have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment
- Be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- Expect the condition to last at least 12 months or result in death
- Meet the work credit requirement, which depends on your age
Long delays and high denial rates often stem from technical issues—like missing work history—or failure to explain how your medical condition limits specific work functions. Our team carefully reviews your record against Social Security’s definitions under 42 U.S.C. §423(d)(1)(A) to ensure your case meets both medical and legal standards.
SSDI vs. SSI: What’s the Difference?
| SSDI | SSI | |
| Based on | Work credits and payroll tax contributions | Financial need |
| Medical requirement | Must meet disability definition under federal law | Must meet same definition |
| Health coverage | Eligible for Medicare after 24 months | Eligible for Medicaid immediately |
| Benefit amount | Based on past earnings | Fixed monthly amount based on income/assets |
In a free initial consultation, we can help you understand if you qualify for Social Security Disability without any upfront costs.
Conditions That May Qualify for SSDI
The SSA maintains a list of qualifying impairments in its Blue Book, but this list is not exhaustive. Many conditions can qualify if supported by strong medical documentation showing functional limitations that prevent full-time work.
Some of the most common conditions we see include:
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, arthritis, and chronic back pain that limits standing, lifting, or sitting for extended periods.
Mental Health Conditions
Major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, especially when symptoms interfere with focus, social interaction, or stress tolerance.
Neurological Disorders
Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, or traumatic brain injuries that impact memory, coordination, or motor function.
Cardiovascular and Cancer Diagnoses
Severe heart failure, coronary artery disease, and cancers requiring ongoing chemotherapy, radiation, or causing disabling fatigue.
A diagnosis alone doesn’t establish eligibility. You must show how the condition affects your work capacity, including whether you can maintain a normal schedule, complete tasks on time, or avoid excessive breaks. This is where legal help becomes essential.
If your symptoms fall outside the SSA’s Blue Book, our SSDI attorneys can build your case using doctor narratives, functional assessments, and vocational expert testimony. Learn more about how we help prove eligibility for disability benefits through effective evidence gathering and legal strategy during a free initial consultation.
SSDI Claims Are Frequently Denied: Our Arvada Lawyers Will Appeal
Between 60–70% of initial SSDI applications are rejected. Through our experience in Arvada and throughout Colorado, we’ve witnessed how minor errors can invalidate legitimate claims. Common reasons for denial include:
- Incomplete or outdated medical records
- Missing Residual Functional Capacity evaluations from physicians
- Failure to explain how daily activities are limited
- Employment history gaps or insufficient work credits
- Not responding promptly to SSA requests
Many denials can be avoided by getting legal help early. We prepare clients for the SSA’s rigid requirements, including timelines, definitions, and proof thresholds.
If your claim has already been denied, Boesen Law can still help. We regularly handle appeals at all stages, including hearings before administrative judges.
Appeals & Hearings: What to Expect
If you’ve received a denial letter, don’t give up. There are four stages in the SSDI appeal process:
- Reconsideration – A new claims examiner reviews your file.
- Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) – You present your case in front of a judge, often via video or in-person in Denver.
- Appeals Council – A panel reviews whether the ALJ made legal or procedural errors.
- Federal Court Review – A federal judge decides whether to reverse or remand your claim.
Each step has strict deadlines. At Boesen Law, we treat every case like it may go to a hearing from day one, gathering evidence proactively and preparing expert testimony when needed.
Attorney Joseph J. Fraser III explains: “In my experience handling disability hearings, the most overlooked factor is how symptoms affect consistency. Judges aren’t just looking at diagnoses—they want to know if you can show up every day, stay on task, and complete full-time work without unscheduled breaks. That’s where most claims are won or lost.”
How Boesen Law Supports SSDI Applicants in Arvada
Our office brings a unique combination of personalized service, legal experience, and local insight. Arvada clients often come to us after struggling with SSA paperwork or delayed responses. We provide:
- Full SSDI application preparation
- Physician coordination to obtain complete records and RFC evaluations
- Direct communication with SSA examiners
- Representation at hearings
- Appeal filing and written briefs for higher-level reviews
We have decades of combined experience, including trial-tested litigators and administrative law advocates. We also understand the medical and legal landscape of Jefferson County, giving our clients an advantage when coordinating care or gathering local expert support.
Speak With an Arvada SSDI Attorney Today
SSDI can offer vital financial support and healthcare access during difficult times—but only if your application is handled with care. At Boesen Law, we provide personalized, experienced representation to help Arvada clients build stronger applications, avoid costly errors, and appeal denials.
There is no fee unless we win your case. Our attorneys are available to meet in person, by phone, or virtually to review your situation and guide your next steps. We also serve surrounding areas including Golden, Westminster, and Wheat Ridge.
Contact us now for a free case review with an experienced SSDI attorney.
Frequently Asked SSDI Questions in Arvada
What is the average SSDI payment in Arvada, CO?
As of 2025 in Colorado, the average monthly SSDI payment is about $1,798.49, which is higher than the national average of $1,753.25. However, individual payments vary depending on your prior earnings record. Medicare eligibility begins two years after your benefit start date.
What are the most commonly approved SSDI conditions?
SSA statistics show that musculoskeletal disorders (like back injuries and arthritis), followed by mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD), and neurological conditions (such as multiple sclerosis or epilepsy) are the top approved categories.
What questions are asked during the SSDI application or hearing?
Applicants are often asked:
- How do your symptoms impact your daily life?
- Can you lift, stand, or concentrate for extended periods?
- What does a typical day look like for you?
- Have you tried working part-time or in a different role?
Answering honestly and thoroughly is key. We help clients prepare their testimony and anticipate questions that judges may focus on.
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
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