Our Lakewood social security disability lawyers at Boesen Law help clients build stronger applications and avoid common mistakes that lead to delays or denials. Whether you’re filing your first application or appealing a denied claim, we guide you through every step to improve your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.
Need Help Applying for SSDI in Lakewood? Our Lawyers Help You Understand If You Qualify
Many first-time SSDI applicants are denied, often because of incomplete paperwork or a lack of medical documentation. Having a legal advocate on your side makes a major difference, as we can assist with everything from the initial application to hearings and appeals.
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.
During a free consultation, an SSDI attorney at Boesen Law can explain how to apply for Social Security Disability in Colorado and evaluate your case. If you qualify for SSDI, we make sure your claim is complete, your documentation is strong, and your rights are protected throughout the process.
How Does Social Security Disability Work in Colorado?
The SSA offers two main disability programs: SSDI, which is based on your work history and payroll contributions, and SSI, which is a needs-based benefit for people with limited income and resources. In Colorado, residents apply through the SSA, but a state agency called the Colorado Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews and evaluates claims.
To qualify for either program, you must prove that you have a serious medical condition preventing you from working full-time and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Most claims require extensive medical records and work history documentation, and even minor errors can cause delays or denials.
Our team helps gather and organize the extensive medical records and work history documentation needed, ensuring your claim is complete and accurate to avoid potential delays or denials.
Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability?
Before evaluating your medical condition, the SSA checks whether you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
- For SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits, which are based on your age and the number of years you’ve worked in jobs covered by Social Security.
- For SSI, eligibility is based on financial need, considering your income and assets regardless of work history.
If you meet these initial requirements, the SSA then applies a five-step process to determine whether your condition qualifies as a disability:
- Are you working? Your claim may be denied if you’re earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit.
- Is your condition “severe”? Your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities (e.g., walking, sitting, remembering) for at least 12 continuous months.
- Is your condition listed in the SSA’s Blue Book? The SSA’s Blue Book contains medical conditions that are considered disabling. If your condition matches or equals a listed impairment, you may qualify automatically.
- Can you do your past work? If your condition doesn’t meet a listed impairment, the SSA evaluates whether you can still perform any of your previous jobs, given your medical limitations.
- Can you do any other work? If you can’t return to past work, the SSA considers your age, education, experience, and functional capacity to decide if there’s other work you can reasonably do.
Common Conditions That May Qualify for SSDI
You don’t need to have a specific diagnosis to qualify for benefits. What matters is whether the condition affects your ability to work and how much. However, some conditions that frequently appear in successful SSDI claims include:
- Severe back injuries
- Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, epilepsy)
- Mental health conditions (depression, PTSD)
- Autoimmune disorders (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Cancer
Our experienced disability law team offers personalized guidance to help you understand your specific situation. We take the time to thoroughly review your medical history, work background, and unique circumstances. This allows us to determine the best strategy for your claim and explain exactly how we can help maximize your chances of approval.
What Happens If Your SSDI Claim Gets Denied?
Your claim may be denied due to missing documents, technical issues, or unclear medical records. If this happens, you have the right to appeal, which involves the following steps:
- Reconsideration: A different SSA reviewer reevaluates your claim, including any new medical evidence, to determine whether the original denial should be reversed.
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing: You attend a hearing before a judge who reviews your case, hears testimony, and makes an independent decision based on the evidence and legal standards.
- Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request that the Appeals Council review the judge’s decision for errors or oversight. They may approve, deny, or return it.
At each level, Boesen Law can help strengthen your medical file, clarify your work limitations, and represent you during hearings. Strong legal representation significantly improves your odds of a successful outcome.
Can You Work While Receiving Disability Benefits?
Yes, but within limits. The SSA allows short-term or part-time work under specific rules. For example, a trial work period lets you test your ability to return to work without immediately losing benefits. However, earning over the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit may lead to disqualification.
If you’re unsure how much you can work while receiving benefits, a free consultation with us can help you understand your options and avoid putting your benefits at risk.
How We Help With SSDI Claims in Lakewood
Our legal team supports clients at every stage of the disability process, including:
- Preparing the initial application
- Collecting and submitting medical records
- Communicating with SSA and DDS
- Representing clients in appeals and hearings
Whether you’re just starting your claim or need to appeal a denial, our team of lawyers offers experienced representation backed up by over a decade of successful case results. Plus, we don’t charge any fees unless we secure benefits on your behalf.
Get Help With Your Disability Claim – Contact a Lakewood Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
Between meeting eligibility rules, submitting medical evidence, and responding to SSA requests, even qualified applicants can feel stuck and overwhelmed. At Boesen Law, our team is here to help.
We know what the SSA is looking for and how to build claims that meet those standards. Contact us to speak with a Lakewood Social Security Disability lawyer today.
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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