The SSD Process
Every Stage of the Process. One Attorney Who Knows It All.
The Social Security Disability process can take years and involve multiple levels of review. Michelle L. Baker has guided clients through every one of them — exclusively — since 1997.
Why the process is harder than it should be
The Social Security Administration denies the majority of initial disability claims. Many applicants give up after the first denial, not realizing that the process has multiple levels of appeal — and that the odds often improve significantly at the hearing stage. Having an attorney who knows the system from the inside, and who has handled nothing but these cases for nearly three decades, can make all the difference.
Initial Application
Your claim starts here — and how it's built matters.
The initial application establishes the foundation of your entire case. The medical evidence you submit, the way your limitations are described, and the conditions you identify all shape how the SSA evaluates your claim. Michelle helps clients build the strongest possible application from the start — because fixing a poorly built foundation later is far harder than getting it right the first time.
Michelle's approach
Most initial applications are decided based on medical records alone. Michelle works with clients to ensure the right records are gathered, the right treating sources are identified, and the application accurately reflects the full scope of their limitations.
Reconsideration
The first appeal — and a critical opportunity to strengthen your case.
If your initial application is denied, the first step is requesting reconsideration. This is a review of your claim by a different SSA examiner. While reconsideration approval rates are low, this stage is a required step before you can request a hearing — and it's an opportunity to submit additional medical evidence and address the specific reasons for the initial denial.
Michelle's approach
Michelle reviews every denial notice carefully to understand exactly why the claim was rejected, then builds the reconsideration response to directly address those findings and introduce any new supporting evidence.
Administrative Law Judge Hearing
Where most cases are won — and where experience matters most.
The ALJ hearing is the most important stage for most disability claimants. Approval rates at this level are significantly higher than at the initial or reconsideration stages, but the hearing requires real preparation: understanding the judge, presenting medical evidence effectively, cross-examining vocational experts, and making the legal arguments that support your claim.
Michelle's approach
Michelle has appeared at ALJ hearings for nearly three decades. She knows how to prepare clients for testimony, how to challenge vocational expert opinions, and how to frame the medical and functional evidence in the way that gives each client the best chance of success.
Appeals Council Review
When a hearing decision goes the wrong way, there may still be options.
If an ALJ denies your claim, you can request review by the Social Security Appeals Council. The Appeals Council can affirm the decision, reverse it, or remand the case back to an ALJ for a new hearing. Michelle handles select Appeals Council cases where the record presents meaningful grounds for review.
Michelle's approach
Michelle reviews unfavorable ALJ decisions for legal error, procedural mistakes, and failure to properly weigh medical evidence. Where she believes a strong argument exists, she will pursue it at the Appeals Council level.
Common questions
Not sure where you stand in the process?
Whether you haven't filed yet or you've already been denied multiple times, Michelle can assess your situation and tell you honestly what your options are. Your first consultation is always free.