Social Security Disability • SSD, SSDI & SSI
Denied for Social Security Disability in San Jose? We Handle Appeals.
A denial is not the end of the road. Our disability team helps people across Santa Clara County challenge Social Security's decision and move the appeal forward.
Our Firm
A Disability Appeal Team That Stays in the Fight With You
Brian Goode
&
Justin Idiart
Most Social Security Disability claims are denied at first. In California, about 35 percent won approval in fiscal year 2026. That does not always mean you do not qualify. It often means Social Security did not see enough medical evidence, did not fully understand your limitations, or misapplied its own rules to your situation in San Jose or elsewhere.
At Idiart Law Group, we focus on helping people who cannot work because of physical or mental conditions. For more than 25 years, our attorneys and staff have represented injured and disabled clients in San Jose, throughout California, and nationwide, guiding them through complex systems like Social Security Disability.
Our disability appeal team knows how frustrating a denial can be, especially when the decision seems to ignore what you told Social Security. We step in to review what went wrong, strengthen the evidence, and present your case in a clearer and more complete way on appeal.
Social Security Disability Benefits
Turn a Disability Denial Into a Plan for Appeal
A denial letter can be confusing and discouraging. You may wonder if it is even worth appealing, or if you should simply start over. The reality is that many people in San Jose and across the country who are eventually approved for disability benefits were denied at least once before.
Idiart Law Group explains your denial in plain terms and helps you choose what to do next. When we review your disability appeal, we look at:
- The reasons Social Security gave for denying your claim
- Whether important medical evidence or records were missing
- How your symptoms and limitations were described in your forms
- Whether Social Security correctly applied its rules to your age, education, and past work
- Whether you are at the reconsideration, hearing, or later stage of appeal
After this review, we explain your appeal options in clear language and outline a strategy to strengthen your case.
Free Review of Your Denial and Appeal Options
If you received a denial for SSDI or SSI, you do not have to face the appeal process alone. You generally have 60 days from receiving each decision to take the next step, through as many as four levels, and how you respond to the denial can shape the rest of your case.
Our disability team offers a free evaluation of your denial letter and your case for people in San Jose and throughout California. We will:
- Examine your denial and explain what it really means
- Identify missing evidence or problems in your initial application
- Discuss whether an appeal, new application, or both may make sense
- Outline the next steps and what to expect at each stage of the appeal
Idiart Law Group handles Social Security Disability cases on a contingency fee basis. That means No Fee Until We Win. Attorney fees in most SSD cases are a percentage of past-due benefits and must be approved by Social Security. If there is no recovery, you do not pay an attorney fee.
FREE SSD BENEFITS CONSULTATION
More than 8 Million Americans qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits.
HOW IT WORKS
Appealing a Social Security Disability Denial With Idiart Law Group
A strong appeal is more than simply saying “I disagree.” It means correcting gaps in your file, responding directly to Social Security’s reasons for denying you, and clearly showing how your conditions prevent you from working. Here is how we help.
Step 1
Review Your Denial and Deadlines
We carefully review your denial letter, your initial application, and any forms Social Security used in making its decision. We also confirm important deadlines so your right to appeal is protected. Then we explain, in plain language, what went wrong and what we can do next for your San Jose disability appeal.
Step 2
Strengthen the Evidence
We help gather missing medical records, test results, and statements from your providers or people who know you. We work with you to better explain your symptoms, limitations, and day-to-day challenges so that Social Security sees the full picture of how your conditions affect your ability to live and work in San Jose.
Step 3
File the Appeal
We prepare and file the appeal paperwork that applies to your stage of the process, such as a request for reconsideration or a request for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Our team handles forms, follow-up, and communication with Social Security for your San Jose disability appeal.
Step 4
Pursue the Claim
If your case goes to a hearing, we help you understand what to expect, what the judge may ask, and how to clearly talk about your conditions and work history. We appear with you at the hearing, whether you live in San Jose or elsewhere in California and present arguments and evidence in support of your disability claim.
Step 1
Review Your Denial and Deadlines
We carefully review your denial letter, your initial application, and any forms Social Security used in making its decision. We also confirm important deadlines so your right to appeal is protected. Then we explain, in plain language, what went wrong and what we can do next for your San Jose disability appeal.
Step 2
Strengthen the Evidence
We help gather missing medical records, test results, and statements from your providers or people who know you. We work with you to better explain your symptoms, limitations, and day-to-day challenges so that Social Security sees the full picture of how your conditions affect your ability to live and work in San Jose.
Step 3
File the Appeal
We prepare and file the appeal paperwork that applies to your stage of the process, such as a request for reconsideration or a request for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Our team handles forms, follow-up, and communication with Social Security for your San Jose disability appeal.
Step 4
Pursue the Claim
If your case goes to a hearing, we help you understand what to expect, what the judge may ask, and how to clearly talk about your conditions and work history. We appear with you at the hearing, whether you live in San Jose or elsewhere in California and present arguments and evidence in support of your disability claim.
Ways We Can Help
Car Accident
If a careless driver hurt you or someone you love, we’re here to step in. Our team deals with the insurance company, gathers the evidence, and fights to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, and the impact on your life.
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Social Security Disability
When a health condition keeps you from working, getting SSD benefits shouldn’t be another battle. We guide you through applications and appeals, handle the paperwork and deadlines, and work to prove your disability so you’re not facing the system alone.
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Slip & Fall
Falls on unsafe floors, stairs, or walkways can cause serious injuries. We hold negligent property owners accountable and pursue compensation for your medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering.
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We handle many types of cases, including:
- Personal Injury
- Car Accident
- Social Security Disability
- Catastrophic Injury
- Dog Bite
- Disability Application
- Disability Appeal
- Disability Hearing
- Pedestrian Accident
- Wrongful Death
- Medical Malpractice
- Nursing Home
- Slip & Fall
MEET OUR TEAM
Honest Care • Clear Advice • Smart Approach
Director of Social Security
Brian Goode
Personal Disability Attorney
Justin Idiart
Hearing Representative
Brandon Chapman
Hearing Representative
Breanne Hutchison
Hearing Representative
David Sanders
Customer Reviews
Trusted Attorneys for over 25 years
Social Security Disability in California, by the Numbers
See how many California claims Social Security approves and how long a hearing takes, from the agency's own figures.
See the California numbersSan Jose Disability Appeal Questions
Who looks at my claim again during reconsideration?
An examiner at a state agency. Reconsideration is the first appeal. That examiner takes a fresh look at the original application alongside your request for review. You have 60 days after you receive a denial to ask for it. New records matter at this stage, so tell Social Security about new treatment, new tests and new doctors. Our disability team files the request with you and sends in what has changed since your San Jose application.
Can I keep a part-time job while my appeal is pending?
Possibly, but your earnings decide it. In 2026, if your earnings average more than $1,690 a month ($2,830 if you are blind), Social Security generally will not find you disabled. Social Security calls this substantial gainful activity. Social Security lists $1,770 and $2,950 for 2027. Tell our disability team about any work, even a few hours, before your San Jose appeal goes forward, and we explain how it may affect the claim.
What reasons does Social Security accept for a late appeal?
Social Security will extend the deadline if you show good cause (20 CFR 404.909, 20 CFR 404.911). Its examples of good cause include a serious illness that kept you from contacting Social Security, a death or serious illness in your immediate family, or records lost to fire or another accident. You must ask in writing and explain why you were late. Do not count on an extension. Call or text (855) 772-6969 the day you notice the date has passed.
How often does reconsideration change the outcome in California?
Not often. In fiscal year 2026, 9,422 of 61,841 California reconsiderations ended in approval, about 15 percent. The hearing level looks different: across the 17 California hearing offices in Social Security's data, judges approved about 60 percent of the cases they decided. Your own result can differ from these statewide totals. In most cases, an appeal keeps your original claim alive, and our disability team prepares your San Jose case with the hearing in mind.
What should go into my appeal file?
Social Security's list of useful evidence starts with the names and contact details of all your medical sources. It goes on to records of treatment, tests and hospital stays since you applied, details about your daily activities before and after you became disabled, your work history and any efforts to work, and your education and training. The evidence must be complete and detailed enough for Social Security to decide. Our disability team builds that file for your San Jose appeal and fills in the gaps.
Idiart Law Group in San Jose
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