If you are sick or injured and your condition is expected to last more than one year, you have the right to file for social security disability benefits. Unfortunately, up to 60 percent of people who file a first application for benefits are denied, but you also have the right to file an appeal. To increase your chances of having your application approved the second time, you may want to consider consulting with a social security disability lawyer.Reasons for Denial of Social Security Disability BenefitsThe reason that so many applications for social security disability insurance are originally denied is that the government has a very strict standard of what constitutes a permanent disability. According to the federal government, you are disabled if all of the following apply:You are unable to perform the work you did prior to your injury or illness..The social security disability administration makes the decision that you are unable to adjust to another line of work due to your disability..Your illness or injury is expected to last for one full year or eventually result in death . Even if you meet their standards, your application may get rejected due to a small clerical error.What to Do When You Have Been DeniedWhen you receive a rejection letter from social security, you have up to 60 calendar days to file an appeal. This process is called the reconsideration stage and it also has a very high rejection rate. As a last resort, you can request a hearing regarding your disability claim before an Administrative Law Judge. The hearing is your final opportunity to have your denial overturned and start receiving social security benefits. If you win the case, you will receive benefits retroactively to the date of your accident or onset of your illness.How a Social Security Lawyer Can HelpTo receive social security disability benefits, you must meet the strict standard of disability and turn in an application that is error-free. People who are not accustomed to dealing with these precise requirements of the government are prone to making mistakes. A social security disability lawyer has the knowledge and training necessary to file a claim correctly and can represent you at your hearing. Most social security lawyers offer a free case evaluation prior to taking your case.