Why Your Reconsideration Letter Matters
Your Reconsideration Social Security Disability Appeal Letter Sample is your chance to explain to the Social Security Administration (SSA) why you believe their initial decision was incorrect. This letter isn't just a formality; it's a critical document that can significantly impact the outcome of your appeal. It's where you can highlight any information that might have been missed, provide new medical evidence, or clarify aspects of your condition that weren't fully understood. Think of this letter as your opportunity to have a conversation with the reviewer. You need to be clear, concise, and convincing. Here's a breakdown of what goes into a strong reconsideration letter:- Your personal information (name, Social Security number)
- The date of the denial letter
- A clear statement that you are requesting a reconsideration
- Reasons why you disagree with the denial
- Any new medical evidence you have gathered
- Your signature
| Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Statement of Appeal | Clearly tells the SSA you are appealing. |
| Reasons for Disagreement | Explains why you think the denial was wrong. |
| New Evidence | Provides updated information to support your claim. |
Reconsideration Appeal Letter Sample for New Medical Evidence
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Social Security Administration
[Address of Local SSA Office]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration - Social Security Disability Claim - [Your Name] - SSN: [Your Social Security Number]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to formally request a reconsideration of my Social Security Disability claim, which was denied on [Date of Denial Letter]. I believe the decision was made in error, and I am providing new medical evidence to support my continued disability.
Since the initial denial, I have seen my specialist, Dr. [Doctor's Name], on [Date of Appointment]. During this visit, Dr. [Doctor's Name] conducted new tests, including [Name of Test], which confirmed the severity of my condition, [Your Condition]. Enclosed with this letter are the updated medical records and a detailed report from Dr. [Doctor's Name] explaining how my condition prevents me from performing any substantial gainful activity.
I have also been working with a physical therapist, [Therapist's Name], who has documented my limitations in [mention specific physical limitations, e.g., lifting, standing, sitting]. I have attached their progress reports as well. I hope this additional information will provide a clearer picture of my inability to work.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your review of this new evidence.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Reconsideration Appeal Letter Sample for Incorrect Assessment of Your Condition
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Social Security Administration
[Address of Local SSA Office]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration - Social Security Disability Claim - [Your Name] - SSN: [Your Social Security Number]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to request a reconsideration of the denial of my Social Security Disability claim, dated [Date of Denial Letter]. I believe the assessment of my medical condition was not fully understood, and I wish to clarify certain aspects.
The denial notice states that my condition, [Your Condition], does not prevent me from performing light work. However, the SSA's assessment does not adequately account for the impact of my symptoms, such as [mention specific symptoms, e.g., chronic pain, fatigue, cognitive issues], on my ability to sustain work for a full workday. My treating physician, Dr. [Doctor's Name], has consistently documented my severe limitations in concentration, persistence, and pace, which are crucial for any type of employment.
I would like to draw your attention to the specific statements from Dr. [Doctor's Name] in my previous medical records regarding my struggles with [mention specific challenges, e.g., maintaining focus, completing tasks, tolerating stress]. These issues, combined with my physical limitations, make it impossible for me to engage in substantial gainful activity. I have enclosed a letter from Dr. [Doctor's Name] that further elaborates on these points.
Thank you for reviewing my request. I am hopeful that with this clarification, you will reconsider my case.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Reconsideration Appeal Letter Sample for Failure to Consider All Medical Evidence
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Social Security Administration
[Address of Local SSA Office]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration - Social Security Disability Claim - [Your Name] - SSN: [Your Social Security Number]
Dear Sir or Madam,
This letter is to formally request a reconsideration of my Social Security Disability claim, which was denied on [Date of Denial Letter]. I believe that not all of my relevant medical evidence was fully considered in the initial decision.
Specifically, I would like to highlight that the records from [Name of Specialist or Hospital] dated [Date] were not included in my file. These records contain crucial information about my [mention specific medical issue] and its debilitating effects. I have enclosed copies of these records for your review.
Furthermore, the decision failed to acknowledge the ongoing treatment and recommendations from Dr. [Doctor's Name], who has been treating me for [Your Condition] since [Year]. Dr. [Doctor's Name]'s opinion that I am unable to sustain employment due to my condition is a vital part of my claim. I have attached a recent letter from Dr. [Doctor's Name] reiterating this opinion.
I kindly request that you thoroughly review all submitted documentation, including the newly provided evidence, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of my case.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Reconsideration Appeal Letter Sample for Change in Condition
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Social Security Administration
[Address of Local SSA Office]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration - Social Security Disability Claim - [Your Name] - SSN: [Your Social Security Number]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to request a reconsideration of my Social Security Disability claim, which was denied on [Date of Denial Letter]. Since the denial, my medical condition has worsened, making it even more difficult for me to engage in any form of work.
My condition, [Your Condition], has progressed, and I am now experiencing increased [mention new or worsening symptoms, e.g., pain, fatigue, breathing difficulties]. I have recently been under the care of Dr. [Doctor's Name], who has prescribed [mention new treatments or medications] to manage these new symptoms. I have enclosed updated medical reports detailing these changes and the doctor's updated opinion on my functional limitations.
This deterioration in my health means that my ability to perform even sedentary tasks is now severely compromised. I can no longer [give specific examples of what you can no longer do that you could previously manage, even if with difficulty]. I believe this change in my condition warrants a review of my disability status.
Thank you for considering my situation. I am hopeful that this updated information will lead to a favorable reconsideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Reconsideration Appeal Letter Sample for Missed Information by the SSA
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Social Security Administration
[Address of Local SSA Office]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration - Social Security Disability Claim - [Your Name] - SSN: [Your Social Security Number]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to request a reconsideration of my Social Security Disability claim, which was denied on [Date of Denial Letter]. I believe there may have been some information that was not fully captured or understood during the initial review.
The denial notice mentions that I am capable of performing unskilled sedentary work. However, I believe it was not adequately conveyed that my condition, [Your Condition], severely impacts my ability to sit for extended periods due to [explain why, e.g., back pain, circulation issues]. My doctor, Dr. [Doctor's Name], has documented this limitation and advises against prolonged sitting. I have attached a recent letter from Dr. [Doctor's Name] that further emphasizes this critical point.
Additionally, I wish to ensure that the SSA was aware of my limitations in communicating and interacting with others due to [explain reason, e.g., anxiety, cognitive impairment]. These social limitations significantly hinder my ability to function in a work environment. I have enclosed supporting documentation from my therapist, [Therapist's Name], addressing these issues.
I appreciate your attention to these details. I hope this clarification will lead to a re-evaluation of my claim.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Reconsideration Appeal Letter Sample for Not Understanding Your Past Work
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Social Security Administration
[Address of Local SSA Office]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration - Social Security Disability Claim - [Your Name] - SSN: [Your Social Security Number]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am requesting a reconsideration of my Social Security Disability claim, denied on [Date of Denial Letter]. I believe the assessment of my ability to perform past relevant work was not fully accurate based on my current medical condition.
My previous occupation was [Your Previous Job Title], which involved [describe key duties and physical/mental demands]. While the SSA might have considered this job as light or medium duty, my current limitations due to [Your Condition] prevent me from performing the essential functions of this role. Specifically, my [mention specific limitations, e.g., inability to lift more than 10 pounds, severe back pain that prevents standing for more than 15 minutes, difficulties with fine motor skills] make it impossible to [connect limitation to a specific job duty].
My treating physician, Dr. [Doctor's Name], has provided documentation stating that my current physical and mental capabilities are incompatible with the demands of my past work. I have attached a copy of this letter for your review. I am unable to adapt my past skills to any other type of work given my ongoing health issues.
Thank you for taking the time to reconsider my case with this information about my past work in mind.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Reconsideration Appeal Letter Sample for Not Understanding Your Mental Health Condition
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Social Security Administration
[Address of Local SSA Office]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration - Social Security Disability Claim - [Your Name] - SSN: [Your Social Security Number]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to request a reconsideration of my Social Security Disability claim, which was denied on [Date of Denial Letter]. I believe the denial did not fully account for the severity and impact of my mental health condition, [Your Mental Health Condition].
The SSA's assessment may not have fully captured how my condition affects my ability to concentrate, maintain focus, and interact with others. I experience significant [mention specific symptoms, e.g., anxiety, depression, panic attacks, difficulty with social interactions] that make it extremely challenging to hold down any type of employment. My psychiatrist, Dr. [Psychiatrist's Name], has provided extensive documentation of my ongoing treatment and the persistent nature of these symptoms.
I have enclosed recent reports from Dr. [Psychiatrist's Name] that detail my limitations in areas such as understanding and remembering information, completing tasks, and adapting to workplace changes. These limitations, while not always visible, are very real and significantly impair my capacity to engage in substantial gainful activity.
I hope that by providing this additional information and clarification, my mental health condition will be better understood in the context of my ability to work.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]