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Those who suffer from physical or mental conditions that make it difficult or impossible to work will often be concerned about their ability to support themselves financially. Fortunately, Social Security disability benefits are available in many cases. However, the process of applying for Social Security disability can be complicated, and disability claims are often denied for a variety of reasons. While it is possible to appeal the decision to deny disability benefits, it is important to understand the procedures followed when doing so and the types of evidence that may be considered in an appeal.
Appeals Court Upholds Decision to Deny Benefits and Refuses to Reweigh Evidence
If a disability claim is denied, an applicant will usually need to file a request for reconsideration, and if benefits are once again denied, they may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Both sides will present evidence at this hearing, and the ALJ will follow specific procedures to determine whether the applicant is disabled and whether they should be able to find work that fits within their physical or mental limitations. If an ALJ rules that a person is not disabled, the applicant can appeal this decision. However, an appeal must be based on the claim that the ALJ committed errors, and an applicant cannot introduce new evidence or ask the appeals court to reconsider or reinterpret previous evidence.
A recent Illinois case illustrates the types of arguments that can and cannot be made in a Social Security disability appeal. In the case of Angela H. v. Commissioner of Social Security, the plaintiff was a 43-year-old woman who suffered from impairments including obesity, degenerative disc disease, depression, and personality disorder. After considering the evidence presented at her hearing, the ALJ found that the plaintiff could perform light work, including sitting and standing at a light exertional level and pushing and pulling at a sedentary level. A vocational expert testified that these limitations would allow the plaintiff to perform jobs such as a production worker or cleaner, and because of this, the ALJ determined that the plaintiff was not disabled and denied disability benefits.
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