As your Social Security disability lawyer, L.A. Law knows that Social Security denies more than 60% of first-time applications — but a denial is not the end. We help people across Connecticut and the Northeast fight back — and win. If your claim was denied, or you’re applying for the first time, L.A. LAW can help you build a case that gets approved.
The Social Security Administration has strict criteria — but many people who qualify are denied simply because their application was incomplete or poorly documented.
Conditions That May Qualify for SSD
This is not a complete list. The SSA evaluates each case individually based on how severely your condition limits your ability to work — not just the diagnosis itself. If you’re unsure whether your condition qualifies, call us for a free review. We’ll tell you honestly what we think.
A denial is not the end. Most people who appeal with an attorney win at the hearing stage. The key is acting fast — you have 60 days to file an appeal after a denial.
No — but you need to act quickly. After a denial, you have 60 days to file a Request for Reconsideration. Most people who win SSD benefits win at the ALJ hearing stage, especially with an attorney. Do not let the deadline pass.
The timeline varies by stage. Initial applications are decided in 3–6 months. If denied and you request reconsideration, add another 3–5 months. A hearing before an ALJ typically takes 12–24 months from the request date. Having an attorney keeps your case moving and avoids procedural delays that can add months to an already long process.
No upfront cost — ever. SSD attorneys work on contingency, meaning we only get paid if you win. The fee is set by federal law: 25% of your back pay, up to a maximum of $9,200. If you don't win, you owe nothing. There is no financial risk to hiring us.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history. You qualify if you've worked enough years and paid into Social Security. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is based on financial need — it's available to disabled individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Many applicants qualify for both. We'll assess which program fits your situation during your free review.
It's complicated. The SSA uses a threshold called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) — in 2025, that's $1,550 per month for most applicants. Earning above that amount can disqualify your claim. Part-time or limited work below SGA may be allowed, but it must be carefully documented. This is one of the most common reasons claims are denied — call us before you decide to work during your application.
A doctor's opinion is important, but the SSA makes its own determination — and their standard is very specific. Common reasons for denial even with a doctor's support include insufficient medical records, gaps in treatment, failure to follow prescribed treatment, or a determination that you could do a different type of work. Our job is to translate your medical reality into the language and evidence the SSA requires. That's the difference an attorney makes.
The hearing is conducted by an Administrative Law Judge — not a courtroom jury. You'll testify about your condition, your limitations, and why you can't work. A vocational expert may also testify about available jobs. Having an attorney at your hearing is critical — we know how to present your case, cross-examine witnesses, and object to improper questions. Applicants with legal representation win at significantly higher rates than those who appear alone.

Contingency fee explained — zero upfront cost.

A brief, plain-English breakdown of both programs.

The 60-day window and what it means for your case.

The documentation and application gap explained.

What to expect — and how we prepare you.

The SGA threshold and what it means for you.
The SSD system is complex, and the SSA is not on your side. Most denied applicants don’t know their rights, miss critical deadlines, or show up to hearings without legal representation — and lose cases they should have won.
En Ley de Los Ángeles, we handle everything: gathering your medical records, building your case file, preparing you for your hearing, and representing you before the Administrative Law Judge. You focus on your health. We handle the rest.
En Ley de Los ÁngelesTrabajamos con profesionales médicos confiables en todo Connecticut para construir casos sólidos basados en evidencia que respalden su recuperación y su derecho a una compensación justa.
A first denial doesn’t mean you don’t qualify — it often just means the paperwork wasn’t complete or your condition wasn’t documented the right way. That’s exactly what we fix.
From Hartford to New Haven, from Bridgeport to New London, we fight for people across Connecticut who deserve the benefits they’ve earned.
Most people don’t know that having an attorney dramatically increases your odds of approval — especially at the appeal and hearing stage. We know the system, we know the judges, and we know how to build a winning case.
You’ve already been through enough. Let us take it from here. Contact our office today for a free case review — there’s no cost, no obligation, and no risk.
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