About two-thirds of initial applications nationwide are denied. That is not a final answer — it is the point where many people give up too early.
Appeal levels
| Level | Deadline | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Reconsideration | 60 days | A different DDS examiner reviews the file with any new evidence |
| ALJ hearing | 60 days | You testify before a judge; a vocational expert may testify |
| Appeals Council | 60 days | Review in Virginia — usually written argument, not a new hearing |
| Federal District Court | 60 days | Legal review of SSA's decision; rare but sometimes necessary |
Watch the date on your denial letter. Appeals must be filed within 60 days of the notice date (plus five days mailing allowance). Missing the deadline means starting a new application and potentially losing months of back pay.
The ALJ hearing
Denver-area hearings are held at:
Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
6000 Green Mountain Drive
Lakewood, CO 80235
6000 Green Mountain Drive
Lakewood, CO 80235
Hearings typically last 45–60 minutes. The judge asks about your daily activities, medical treatment, and past work. We prepare you beforehand and cross-examine the vocational expert if one appears.