What To Do If You Were Denied Social Security Disability in Colorado

The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that the average initial approval rate for SSDI claims is just 37%, with thousands of qualified workers left in limbo due to documentation errors, procedural missteps, or misunderstood regulations.

Receiving a denial letter doesn’t mean your case is over. At Boesen Law, our SSDI lawyers represent clients throughout Colorado who have been wrongfully denied benefits. Below, we outline the steps you should take if your SSDI claim is denied in Colorado.

Why Was My Social Security Disability Claim Denied?

In Colorado, nearly two-thirds of applicants were denied at the outset, often due to incomplete documentation, technical filing mistakes, or misinterpretation of eligibility criteria. The odds improve at later stages, but only modestly: 11% are approved at reconsideration, and about 47% of cases succeed at the disability hearing level before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

There are many reasons the SSA might deny an SSDI claim, and not all of them are related to your actual medical condition. Most denials fall into one of the following categories:

Incomplete or Inaccurate Medical Records

According to the SSA’s disability qualification criteria, your condition must prevent substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months. If your medical records don’t clearly demonstrate this, the SSA may deny your claim. Common issues include missing diagnosis dates, lack of treatment history, or vague physician notes.

Technical or Procedural Errors

Even strong claims are often denied due to paperwork mistakes. Missing work history, incomplete application sections, or incorrect income reporting can lead to an automatic denial, regardless of the merits of your case.

Insufficient Work Credits

SSDI is a benefit earned through payroll taxes. To qualify, you must have worked and paid into Social Security for a sufficient number of years. The SSA’s work credit requirements state that most applicants need 20 credits over the last 10 years, though younger workers may qualify with fewer.

Disability Does Not Meet SSA Criteria

Even if you cannot work, the SSA may determine your condition doesn’t meet the definition of a qualifying disability under 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A). The agency maintains a “Blue Book” listing recognized impairments. If your condition is not listed or lacks sufficient supporting documentation, you’ll likely face a denial.

For answers to your questions, call:
(303) 999-9999

First Steps After a Social Security Disability Denial in Colorado

If you’ve been denied, it’s critical to act quickly. You have only 60 days from the date of your denial letter to begin the appeal process. Here’s what you should do first:

Step 1: Read the Denial Letter Carefully

SSA denial letters explain why your application was denied and which areas need improvement. Pay close attention to whether the reason was technical, medical, or procedural. This will inform how you and your attorney build your appeal.

Step 2: Request a Reconsideration

The first step in appealing a denied SSDI claim is called a Request for Reconsideration. You can submit this online through the SSA’s Reconsideration page or by mail. This stage involves a different SSA reviewer re-evaluating your case. Only about 13% of reconsideration appeals are approved, but many denials are reversed later in the process.

Step 3: Consult With a Disability Lawyer

Hiring a qualified disability attorney increases your chances of winning your appeal. At Boesen Law, we help clients correct errors from their initial application, collect strong medical evidence, and represent them at every stage of appeal.

Attorney Joseph J. Fraser III explains: “Too often, people get denied SSDI not because they’re ineligible, but because their disability wasn’t clearly communicated within SSA guidelines. Our job is to present your limitations in terms that meet their legal standards—and that clarity can make the difference between approval and denial.”

The Four Levels of the SSDI Appeal Process

If your reconsideration is denied, you still have multiple levels of appeal available—and most successful claims are approved later in the process. Here’s what to expect at each stage.

1. Reconsideration

At this stage, SSA staff not involved in the initial denial review your case. You may submit new evidence. However, decisions are typically made without a hearing.

2. ALJ Hearing

If reconsideration fails, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is the most important step in the appeal process—and where most reversals happen. The ALJ will listen to testimony from you, your doctors, and potentially a vocational expert. Boesen Law helps clients prepare thoroughly for this hearing, ensuring your case is clearly presented with updated medical records and functional evidence.

3. Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ denies your case, you can ask the SSA’s Appeals Council to review the decision. This council examines whether the judge made an error in applying the law or evaluating evidence. They can approve your claim, send it back for another hearing, or uphold the denial.

4. Federal Court Review

If all internal SSA appeals fail, you can file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court. This final option involves complex legal arguments and federal litigation procedures. At Boesen Law, our attorneys are equipped to pursue SSDI claims at the federal level if necessary.

How Long Does It Take to Win an SSDI Appeal in Colorado?

The timeline varies, but here’s what most Colorado applicants can expect:

• Reconsideration decision: 2–4 months
• ALJ hearing wait time: 8–12 months
• Appeals Council review: 6–12 months
• Federal court decision: 12+ months

This means your SSDI appeal could take one to two years, depending on the stage and backlog in your region. Boesen Law helps reduce delays by submitting complete, well-organized evidence and staying in contact with SSA offices.

What If I Can’t Afford to Wait for Benefits?

If you’re unable to work and your appeal is still pending, you may be eligible for:

• Short-term disability benefits (from a private insurer or employer)
• Colorado state assistance programs, such as Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND)
• Medicaid or subsidized healthcare coverage through Colorado PEAK
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you meet low-income qualifications

We help clients explore these interim options while their SSDI appeal moves forward.

Contact Boesen Law If Your Disability Claim Was Denied

With the right legal support, you can reverse a denial and receive the benefits you’ve earned. At Boesen Law, we’ve helped hundreds of Coloradans successfully appeal SSDI rejections. We handle the legal work so you can focus on your health.

Schedule a free consultation today with a Denver Social Security Disability attorney who knows how to fight denials, clarify complex requirements, and build the strongest possible appeal. Contact Boesen Law now to get started.

Call (303) 999-9999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form