Social Security disability claimants whose initial applications for disability are denied have 60 days from receipt of denial to file an appeal, and that first appeal is called a Request for Reconsideration.
Reconsideration takes on average about 90 days, and only 15% of reconsideration appeals are granted. However, reconsideration is a necessary step before the hearing level, where 55% of appeals are granted.
At reconsideration a different team of disability examiners will evaluate your claim. The SSA will not make a medical determination at this level. That determination does not occur until after the second appeal and a hearing is held.
More information is available at:
The Disability Evaluation Process
Disability Appeals
I accept Social Security disability cases at all stages. If you are a resident of Iowa and you are thinking about applying, have had your application denied, or have had your Request for Reconsideration denied, please answer the questions below if you would like me to review your case.
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