SSDI Claim Denied in Colorado: What to Do Next

Receiving a denial letter from the Social Security Administration can feel devastating, especially when you are unable to work due to a serious medical condition. In Colorado, thousands of applicants face initial denials every year — but a denial is not the end of the road. Understanding why claims are denied and how to fight back can make all the difference in securing the benefits you deserve.

Why Colorado SSDI Claims Get Denied

The Social Security Administration denies the vast majority of initial applications — roughly 67% nationwide, and Colorado mirrors this trend. Denials fall into several common categories:

• Insufficient medical evidence: The SSA requires objective documentation showing your condition severely limits your ability to work. Gaps in treatment records or vague physician notes often lead to denials.
• Non-severe impairment: The SSA may determine your condition does not meet the threshold of severity required under federal regulations.
• Failure to meet a listed impairment: Social Security maintains a "Blue Book" of qualifying conditions. If your diagnosis does not match a listed impairment or equal one in severity, the claim may be denied.
• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you are earning above the SGA limit (currently $1,550/month in 2026 for non-blind applicants), SSA considers you not disabled regardless of your condition.
• Failure to follow prescribed treatment: If SSA determines you are not complying with your doctor's recommendations without good cause, your claim can be denied.
• Technical denials: These include not having enough work credits under Social Security, or failing to respond to SSA requests for information.

Reading the denial letter carefully is essential. SSA is required to explain the specific reason for the denial, and that reasoning directly shapes how you should structure your appeal.

The SSDI Appeals Process in Colorado

Colorado follows the standard federal SSDI appeals process, which has four levels. Most successful claims are won at the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing level — not at the initial application stage. Here is how the process works:

• Reconsideration: You must request reconsideration within 60 days of your denial notice (plus 5 days for mailing). A different SSA reviewer examines your claim. Colorado, unlike some pilot states, does not skip this step.
• Administrative Law Judge Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an ALJ. Colorado residents are typically assigned to hearing offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Albuquerque (which serves parts of Colorado). This is where you present live testimony and new medical evidence.
• Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request review by the SSA's Appeals Council in Falls Church, Virginia. The Council may review, remand, or deny your case.
• Federal Court: The final step is filing a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. This is a formal civil action challenging SSA's decision under the Social Security Act.

Missing a deadline at any stage restarts the process from scratch. Timelines are strict and must be tracked carefully. If you miss the 60-day window, you will generally need to file a new application and lose any potential back pay tied to your original filing date.

Strengthening Your Colorado SSDI Claim

The difference between an approval and a denial often comes down to the quality and completeness of medical evidence. Here is what you should do to build the strongest possible record:

• See your doctors consistently. Regular treatment establishes that your condition is ongoing and serious. Sporadic care undermines credibility with SSA reviewers and ALJs.
• Request a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment from your treating physician. This form documents what physical and mental activities you can and cannot perform. A well-completed RFC from a treating doctor carries significant weight at a hearing.
• Document all symptoms, including fatigue and pain. Subjective symptoms matter under SSA policy. Keep a daily journal and share it with your attorney and treating providers.
• Obtain records from all treating sources. This includes primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, mental health providers, and physical therapists. Colorado has a number of federally qualified health centers and VA facilities whose records must be requested separately.
• Address mental health conditions. Conditions like depression and anxiety often compound physical limitations. SSA evaluates mental impairments using a separate set of criteria, and failing to document them can result in an undervaluation of your total disability.

Colorado-Specific Considerations for SSDI Applicants

While SSDI is a federal program, certain state-level factors affect Colorado claimants in practical ways. Colorado operates its own Disability Determination Services (DDS) office, housed within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. This state agency makes the initial disability determinations on behalf of SSA, using federal standards but with local personnel and resources.

Colorado's DDS offices are located in Denver and have faced workload pressures that can extend processing times. As of early 2026, initial application processing times in Colorado average several months. Hearings before Colorado ALJs can take well over a year from the date of request, making early action critical.

Colorado also has a significant veteran population, and veterans who receive VA disability ratings should understand that a VA rating does not automatically qualify you for SSDI — and vice versa. The two programs use different standards. However, a VA rating can serve as supporting evidence in an SSDI claim when combined with strong medical documentation.

Additionally, Colorado residents who are low-income and do not have enough work history for SSDI may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which has different financial eligibility criteria but uses the same medical definition of disability. Many applicants file for both programs simultaneously.

When to Hire a Disability Attorney

Statistically, claimants represented by an attorney or advocate at ALJ hearings are significantly more likely to be approved. A disability attorney will:

• Review your denial and identify the specific weaknesses to address on appeal
• Gather and organize medical evidence from treating sources in Colorado
• Draft a detailed legal brief for the ALJ outlining why you meet the medical criteria
• Prepare you for hearing testimony and cross-examine vocational experts who may testify that you can perform other work
• Handle all SSA deadlines and correspondence on your behalf

SSDI attorneys work on contingency. Under federal law, attorney fees are capped at 25% of your past-due benefits, with a current maximum of $7,200. You pay nothing unless you win. This structure means there is no financial barrier to getting experienced legal help from the moment of your initial denial.

Do not wait to seek representation. Earlier involvement allows your attorney to develop a stronger record, identify medical sources that need additional documentation, and potentially resolve issues before an expensive hearing is even necessary.

Need Help? If you have questions about your case, call or text 833-657-4812 for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.

Related Articles

• Working Part Time on SSDI in Louisiana
• SSDI Work Credits: Alabama Disability Guide
• How to Appeal an SSDI Denial in Maine