Social Security Appeal Attorney in Scott County

Help After A Social Security Disability Denial

Getting a Social Security Disability or SSI denial when you cannot work is frightening. You may be worried about rent, groceries, and medical care, and you may not know what to do next. A denial does not always mean Social Security made the right decision, and it does not mean you have to give up.

At Bowman, DePree & Murphy, our firm in Davenport has helped people from Scott County and surrounding counties with disability claims and appeals since 1992. We focus only on Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, and Veterans Disability work, so our full attention stays on these systems. Our attorneys offer free initial personal consultations and work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you do not pay legal fees unless you receive benefits.

If you need a dedicated Scott County Social Security appeals lawyer to fight for your rights, Bowman, DePree & Murphy is ready to help. Our no-fee unless you win policy ensures you get high-quality representation without upfront costs. Reach out for your free consultation by calling (563) 412-4755 or reaching out online.

Common Reasons Social Security Claims Are Denied in Scott County

Understanding why Social Security denied your claim can make the appeal process feel less overwhelming. Denial letters often contain technical language that doesn’t match your lived experience of disability. A Social Security appeal attorney in Scott County can help explain the reasons in plain language and guide you through the next steps to strengthen your claim.

Common reasons claims are denied include:

• Incomplete medical records: Social Security may not have received enough documentation to fully understand your condition.
• Severity under Social Security rules: Your symptoms may not be considered severe enough to meet the 12-month standard, even if they are constant in daily life.
• Ability to work: Social Security may conclude you can return to past work or perform other jobs, even if that is unrealistic given your limitations.
• Unexplained daily limitations: Factors such as frequent rest breaks, missed activities, or medication side effects may not be fully documented.
• Challenges of job changes: Physical limitations, chronic pain, or limited education may make it difficult to adapt to a different type of work, which the agency may not fully consider.
• Lack of supporting medical statements: Doctors’ statements or additional records may be needed to clarify the extent of your disability.

A trusted Scott County Social Security attorney can review your denial, gather additional evidence, and help you clearly explain your limitations at a hearing, guiding you through each step of the appeals process.

Consequences of Denied Claims

The consequences of losing a Scott County Social Security appeals lawyer case are financially and personally devastating. Without these benefits, many Iowans face:

• Loss of Income: The immediate cessation or absence of monthly cash payments can lead to housing instability or foreclosure.
• Loss of Healthcare: For many, an SSDI approval is the only gateway to Medicare, while SSI is the path to Medicaid. A denial means losing access to life-saving medical treatments.
• Depletion of Retirement Savings: Many individuals are forced to drain their 401(k) or IRA accounts early, incurring heavy taxes and leaving them with nothing for their senior years.
• Emotional Strain: The "collateral consequence" of a multi-year legal battle often includes increased depression and anxiety, which can further exacerbate the underlying physical disability.

What to Do After A Social Security Denial in Scott County

When a denial letter arrives, many people feel like the system has ignored their health problems. It is common to feel discouraged, angry, or embarrassed. In reality, many people in Scott County are denied at the first level, even when they have serious medical conditions that prevent steady work.

After a denial, it often helps to take these steps:

• Read the denial letter and note the date on the first page.
• Write down the deadline Social Security gives you for filing an appeal.
• Gather recent medical records, test results, and a list of your doctors and clinics.
• Make a list of your work history for at least the last 15 years.
• Contact a denied Social Security attorney to review the letter and talk about the next level of appeal.

We understand that health problems, fatigue, and pain can make these steps feel overwhelming. Our team works to take as much of the burden off you as we reasonably can and to keep you informed about what is happening and why. If you call us soon after a denial, we can help you track deadlines and plan the next steps together.

Our attorneys have decades of experience handling reconsideration appeals, hearings before administrative law judges, and, when appropriate, further review in federal court. Attorney Michael DuPree has practiced law since the mid 1980s, attorney Thad Murphy has been licensed in Iowa since 2000 and in Illinois since 2001, and attorney Jeannette Keller has been licensed in Iowa since 1986. As a team, we bring more than 60 years of combined work on disability and Veterans claims to each appeal we take on.

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