Common Errors by Administrative Law Judges that Can Justify SSDI Appeals
- posted: Aug. 31, 2025
Learning that your claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits has been denied can be very discouraging. However, if you believe you qualify for payments, you should not give up. Many adverse decisions are reversed by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). If the denial is affirmed by the ALJ, there is still an opportunity for relief from the Appeals Council.
Though many ALJ decisions are left in place following Appeals Council review, there are several reasons why a case might be overturned or remanded back to the ALJ, such as:
Omission or mischaracterization of testimony — Accurate documentation of a claimant's account of their symptoms and limitations is pivotal in assessing whether their condition meets the Social Security Administration's criteria for disability. When judges overlook relevant testimony or misrepresent a claimant's statements, it can constitute a reversible error.
Failure to acknowledge medication’s side effects — On the surface, there are some situations where an SSDI claimant might be able to resume working by taking a certain prescription medication or undergoing a specified course of treatment. Unfortunately, pharmaceuticals and therapies frequently have side effects that can do more harm than good. Ignoring side effects like drowsiness, cognitive impairment or gastrointestinal issues can lead to a false interpretation of a claimant's actual capacity to perform work-related tasks. If an ALJ fails to consider the big picture in regard to medication, their decision could be subject to serious review by the Appeals Council.
Unsupported determinations — An ALJ has a duty to articulate the reasons why a claimant’s condition does or does not meet the criteria for a disability under the law. Vague, general statements without detailed analysis and evidence can undermine the legitimacy of the decision. Claimants deserve transparency and clarity about how their medical evidence was evaluated in the context of disability criteria. Without thorough documentation of all relevant medical evidence, ALJs might fail to grasp the full scope and severity of the disability. This oversight can result in decisions based on incomplete or outdated data.
If you’ve been denied benefits and believe the ruling was incorrect, your next step should be to contact an experienced SSDI appeals attorney. At Peter M. Cordovano, P.C., I have successfully represented disability claimants throughout New York State for more than 35 years. For a free consultation, please call 845-640-3846 or contact me online. My office is in Highland.
Common Errors by Administrative Law Judges that Can Justify SSDI Appeals
- posted: Aug. 31, 2025
Learning that your claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits has been denied can be very discouraging. However, if you believe you qualify for payments, you should not give up. Many adverse decisions are reversed by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). If the denial is affirmed by the ALJ, there is still an opportunity for relief from the Appeals Council.
Though many ALJ decisions are left in place following Appeals Council review, there are several reasons why a case might be overturned or remanded back to the ALJ, such as:
Omission or mischaracterization of testimony — Accurate documentation of a claimant's account of their symptoms and limitations is pivotal in assessing whether their condition meets the Social Security Administration's criteria for disability. When judges overlook relevant testimony or misrepresent a claimant's statements, it can constitute a reversible error.
Failure to acknowledge medication’s side effects — On the surface, there are some situations where an SSDI claimant might be able to resume working by taking a certain prescription medication or undergoing a specified course of treatment. Unfortunately, pharmaceuticals and therapies frequently have side effects that can do more harm than good. Ignoring side effects like drowsiness, cognitive impairment or gastrointestinal issues can lead to a false interpretation of a claimant's actual capacity to perform work-related tasks. If an ALJ fails to consider the big picture in regard to medication, their decision could be subject to serious review by the Appeals Council.
Unsupported determinations — An ALJ has a duty to articulate the reasons why a claimant’s condition does or does not meet the criteria for a disability under the law. Vague, general statements without detailed analysis and evidence can undermine the legitimacy of the decision. Claimants deserve transparency and clarity about how their medical evidence was evaluated in the context of disability criteria. Without thorough documentation of all relevant medical evidence, ALJs might fail to grasp the full scope and severity of the disability. This oversight can result in decisions based on incomplete or outdated data.
If you’ve been denied benefits and believe the ruling was incorrect, your next step should be to contact an experienced SSDI appeals attorney. At Peter M. Cordovano, P.C., I have successfully represented disability claimants throughout New York State for more than 35 years. For a free consultation, please call 845-640-3846 or contact me online. My office is in Highland.
