SSDI Appeals Lawyer in Pasadena, Texas: How to Appeal a Denied Disability Claim and Win
4/15/2025 | 5 min read

Imagine this: You’ve spent years working hard. But after developing a serious health condition, you're no longer able to work. So you apply for **Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) **to get the help you need.
Then, you get a letter in the mail: Your SSDI claim was denied.
If this happened to you in Pasadena, Texas, you're not alone. Nearly 7 in 10 SSDI claims are denied on the first attempt, according to the Social Security Administration. But here's the good news—many of those denials can be successfully appealed.
You don’t have to give up. With the help of an experienced SSDI appeals lawyer in Pasadena, you can challenge the denial and get the benefits you need.
Top Reasons SSDI Claims Get Denied

SSDI claims are denied for all kinds of reasons. Most of the time, it’s not because you don’t qualify—but because of technical or documentation issues.
Here are the most common reasons:
- **Not enough medical evidence: ** SSA needs detailed records showing how your condition affects your ability to work.
- **Short-term or non-severe condition: ** Your disability must last at least 12 months or be terminal.
- **You earn too much money: ** SSA has an income limit. If you're working above that limit, your claim could be denied.
- **Incomplete paperwork: ** Missing documents or errors can lead to automatic denial.
- **You didn’t follow prescribed treatments: ** If you don’t follow medical advice, SSA may think your condition isn't serious.
Understanding why you were denied helps you build a better appeal.
The SSDI Appeals Process Explained (Step-by-Step)

Appealing an SSDI denial is a multi-step process. Each level gives you another chance to win your case.
Step 1: Request for Reconsideration
This is your first opportunity to challenge the decision. You’ll submit additional evidence, like updated medical records or corrections to your application.
Deadline: File within 60 days of your denial notice. File online here.
Step 2: ALJ Hearing (Administrative Law Judge)
If reconsideration fails, you can request a hearing before a judge. This is your best chance to explain your situation in detail. You can also bring witnesses, like doctors or vocational experts.
Step 3: Appeals Council Review
Still denied? You can ask the SSA Appeals Council to review the judge’s decision. They may approve your claim, deny it again, or send it back for another hearing.
Step 4: Federal Court Lawsuit
If all else fails, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. This is rare and usually done with a lawyer’s help.
Each step is more complex than the last. That’s why many people choose to work with an SSDI lawyer to guide them.
Why You Should Work With an SSDI Appeals Lawyer in Pasadena

Appealing a disability denial is tough. The rules are strict, and SSA expects you to present your case using medical, legal, and vocational evidence.
Here’s how a local SSDI appeals lawyer in Pasadena can help:
- Collect strong medical records that clearly explain your disability
- Communicate with doctors to ensure their notes support your case
- Prepare you for your hearing and represent you in front of a judge
- Avoid paperwork mistakes and make sure everything is filed on time
- Improve your odds of success—studies show claimants with lawyers are more likely to win appeals
Best of all, you only pay a lawyer if you win. Their fees come out of your backpay, and are capped by federal law.
How Louis Law Group Can Support Your Appeal

The Louis Law Groupp has helped people across Texas—including Pasadena—fight unfair SSDI denials. Our team understands what the Social Security Administration is looking for and how to build a case that meets those standards.
When you work with us, we:
- Review your original denial and spot the weak areas
- Gather and organize your medical evidence
- Handle all the paperwork and deadlines
- Represent you confidently during hearings and appeals
And remember: you don’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
FAQs About SSDI Appeals in Pasadena
Q: How long does an SSDI appeal take?
It depends on the stage. Reconsideration might take 3-5 months, while a hearing with a judge could take 8-12 months due to backlogs.
Q: Can I file the appeal by myself?
Yes, but it’s risky. Most people who win appeals have legal representation. A lawyer knows what evidence SSA wants to see.
Q: What does an SSDI lawyer cost?
SSDI lawyers work on a contingency fee. That means you only pay if you win—and the fee is usually capped at 25% of your back pay or $7,200.
Q: Will I have to go to court?
Not always. Many cases are resolved during reconsideration or the hearing stage. If you go to a hearing, it’s more like a meeting than a courtroom trial.
Conclusion: Take the Next Step Toward Your SSDI Approval
Being denied SSDI benefits can feel overwhelming—but it’s not the end of the road. Many people in Pasadena, Texas have gone through the appeals process and won the benefits they deserve.
Don’t let paperwork or legal language stop you from fighting for what’s right. With help from an experienced SSDI appeals lawyer—like the team at Louis Law Group —you can take control of your appeal and build a winning case.
Contact Louis Law Group today for a free consultation. Call 833-657-4812 or submit a free case evaluation form to get started. Don’t wait—let us help you take the first step toward justice and financial recovery.
How it Works
No Win, No Fee
We like to simplify our intake process. From submitting your claim to finalizing your case, our streamlined approach ensures a hassle-free experience. Our legal team is dedicated to making this process as efficient and straightforward as possible.
You can expect transparent communication, prompt updates, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Free Case EvaluationLet's get in touch
We like to simplify our intake process. From submitting your claim to finalizing your case, our streamlined approach ensures a hassle-free experience. Our legal team is dedicated to making this process as efficient and straightforward as possible.
290 NW 165th Street, Suite M-500, Miami, FL 33169