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Reconsideration Level
If your initial application has been denied, your next step is to file a Request for Reconsideration. (There are a few states where this level has been removed and claimants appeal for a hearing following an initial denial. Your paperwork from Social Security will tell you which appeal to file in your state.)
The Reconsideration level is where your file is reviewed again by Disability Determination Services (DDS). In order to make a decision, DDS may request medical records or other evidence from you or your doctor. They may also have you complete evaluations or medical forms regarding your specific disability. If they do not have enough evidence to make a determination, they may schedule a Consultative Exam. After reviewing the results of this exam, they will then send you a Notice of Decision.
Remember that a strong majority of claims are denied again at the Reconsideration level. If you are denied, it is very important to appeal that decision. The next level, or the Hearing level, is where you are most likely to be approved. If you wait and have to reapply, you will start all over again at the initial level and will be wasting crucial months waiting.
The next appeal is the Request for Hearing, at which time you may also submit new evidence if you would like. However, the hearing level is rather lengthy. It is common for a claim to take several months to a year or more just to get a hearing scheduled, and then several months before the hearing takes place. Then a claimant waits another 2-6 months for a decision. The total wait can be 1-3 years. While it is a long and frustrating wait, it also often yields the best fruit—a Favorable Decision. (And remember that you will be reimbursed for the wait—see Back Pay.)
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