Why So Many Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied and How a Hands-On Legal Approach Is Changing Outcomes
Each year, millions of Americans apply for Social Security Disability benefits, hoping for financial stability during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. Yet despite legitimate medical conditions, the majority of initial claims are denied. For many applicants, the process feels confusing, impersonal, and stacked against them.
By
Feb 16, 2026
Behind the paperwork and procedures lies a deeper problem: too many claimants are forced to navigate an extremely complex system without meaningful legal guidance.
At Social Security Disability Firm, attorneys David Gottesmann and Christopher Pinger-Borgia believe the difference between denial and approval often comes down to one factor; personal, hands-on legal advocacy.
Why Social Security Disability Claims Often Fail
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are governed by strict federal standards. Even applicants with serious medical conditions are frequently denied due to:
Incomplete or poorly developed medical records
Failure to properly document functional limitations
Missed deadlines or procedural errors
Lack of preparation for Administrative Law Judge hearings
For claimants already coping with illness or injury, these obstacles can feel overwhelming. Many are left confused about why their claims were denied or what steps to take next.
A Different Kind of Disability Law Practice
In an area of law often dominated by high-volume firms and automated processes, Social Security Disability Firm takes a markedly different approach.
Founded by attorneys David Gottesmann and Christopher Pinger-Borgia, the firm is built on a simple philosophy: disability claims deserve direct attorney involvement from start to finish. Clients are not passed off to layers of staff or left wondering who is handling their case.
From the first consultation through appeals and hearings, the attorneys remain personally involved, ensuring each claim is thoroughly prepared and strategically presented.
“No claimant should ever feel like just a file number,” says Pinger-Borgia. “This process impacts real lives, and our job is to make sure clients feel supported, informed, and represented every step of the way.”
Experience That Extends Beyond Disability Law
Gottesmann brings nearly two decades of legal experience to the practice, having handled complex matters in commercial litigation, patent disputes, and regulatory proceedings. That background translates into a sharp understanding of evidence, procedure, and advocacy — skills that prove critical in disability benefits cases.
While his legal résumé spans multiple disciplines, his focus over the past decade has been on disability rights.
“Many clients come to us after being denied benefits they genuinely need,” Gottesmann explains. “Our role is to step in, identify what went wrong, and rebuild the case the right way.”
Why Hands-On Legal Representation Matters
Social Security Disability cases are not won by forms alone. They require careful analysis of medical evidence, clear articulation of work limitations, and in many cases, persuasive presentation before an Administrative Law Judge.
At Social Security Disability Firm, every case is treated as unique. Attorneys work directly with clients to understand not just diagnoses, but how conditions affect daily functioning, employment capacity, and long-term stability.
This individualized approach allows the firm to:
Strengthen medical and vocational evidence
Prepare clients thoroughly for hearings
Anticipate and address common reasons for denial
Reduce stress by providing consistent attorney access
The result is not only stronger claims, but clients who feel confident and informed throughout the process.
Beyond Results: Restoring Dignity to the Process
Success in disability law is often measured by approvals and benefits awarded. But for many clients, the emotional experience matters just as much.
“We treat each person as if they were a member of our own family,” Gottesmann says. “People come to us during incredibly vulnerable moments. Our responsibility is to guide them with honesty, compassion, and determination.”
That human-centered focus has led to a growing record of successful claims and long-term client trust, particularly among individuals who felt discouraged or unheard before seeking representation.
A Trusted Advocate for Those Navigating Disability Benefits
As disability claims continue to rise nationwide, the need for accessible, knowledgeable legal advocacy has never been greater. Social Security Disability Firm has positioned itself as a trusted ally for individuals who feel overwhelmed by the system and unsure of where to turn.
By combining legal precision with genuine personal investment, the firm is helping reshape how disability representation looks and how it feels for clients across the country.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Social Security Disability Firm at 305-562-7333 or visit socialsecuritydisabilitylaw.net.
