Social Security Disability Appeals Lawyers In Yakima And Central Washington

Last updated on August 4, 2026

Getting denied Social Security Disability benefits is devastating, but a Bothwell Hamill & Sutton, PLLC, lawyer helps you get a new chance.

If You Were Denied Disability Benefits, It’s Not Over

Getting denied Social Security Disability benefits feels devastating. You were counting on those monthly checks to maintain a level of financial stability and independence.

Now, you need to appeal the decision. But appealing is intimidating. As part of your appeal, you might have to speak to a judge. This can be a stressful time.

Social Security has its own separate legal system. Our experienced team can help determine if you qualify, guide you through the appeals process and ease your worries during the process.

Tom Bothwell of Bothwell Hamill & Sutton, PLLC, has helped more people win Social Security Disability benefits than any other lawyer in Central Washington. No matter why you were denied, he’s seen every situation and knows what to do.

Important! Once you’re denied benefits, the clock starts ticking. Don’t wait too long and miss the deadline to appeal.

If you can’t work, let us go to work to get you benefits.

You earned the right to disability benefits.

When you worked, Social Security took money from every paycheck. But now, when you can’t work, your claim for disability benefits has been denied.

I’m Tom Bothwell.

Whether you were denied or need to apply, I’ve helped more people win Social Security Disability benefits than any other attorney in Central Washington. This includes many clients over 50, who often face different challenges in the disability claims process.

Bothwell Hamill & Sutton, PLLC, helps people get through every level of appeal in Yakima, Kennewick, Sunnyside, Spokane, Richland, Ellensburg, Wenatchee, Walla Walla and all across Central Washington.

You Pay No Attorney Fee until you win. And we don’t charge you anything for talking to us about your case.

Why Was Your Social Security Disability Claim Denied?

Social Security may deny your claim when the application does not prove that you meet every rule for benefits. Your notice should explain the main reason for the decision. That explanation can help you identify what must be addressed during the appeal. Common reasons include:

• Limited medical support: Medical records may lack clear details about your diagnosis, symptoms, treatment history and work restrictions.
• Unmet disability standard: Your condition might fail to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
• Excess work earnings: Reported income can exceed the substantial gainful activity threshold that applies when you seek benefits.
• Missed prescribed care: Treatment history could show that you did not follow recommended care without an accepted reason, such as cost, severe side effects or limited access.

A denial does not always mean that you cannot qualify for benefits. Instead, it may show which evidence or explanations need more support before Social Security reviews your case again.

What Are Your Steps To Appealing A Denied Social Security Disability Claim In Washington?

Social Security has four levels of appeal, including:

• Reconsideration: When your first application is denied, you can submit new evidence and get your application reviewed by someone different at Social Security.
• Administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing: If you get denied again, you can ask a Social Security judge to hear your case. This is a critical moment. Your evidence needs to be ready – and you need to be ready to testify.
• Appeals Council review: If the ALJ denies you, you can still ask for a review by Social Security’s Appeals Council. The council could award benefits, deny benefits or return your case to the ALJ with further instructions.
• Federal court review: Your last step is to leave Social Security’s legal system and file a lawsuit in federal court. A U.S. District Court judge will review your case. You won’t testify or add evidence. The judge could send the case back for more consideration, deny benefits or award benefits.

To secure needed benefits, it’s important to have experienced legal representation, not just advocates, at each level of appeal. Schedule your free consultation at 509-606-6917 or via this online form to begin discussing your appeal today.

How Long Does A Social Security Disability Appeal Take?

A Social Security Disability appeal can take several months or longer than a year. The total wait depends on the review level, the agency’s workload and the facts of your case. Approximate timelines include:

• Reconsideration decision: A fresh review typically takes about three to five months after Social Security receives your request.
• ALJ hearing process: An administrative proceeding commonly lasts 12 to 24 months in Washington State before a judge decides your case.
• Appeals Council consideration: A national evaluation frequently requires one year or longer after an unfavorable hearing decision.

You generally have 60 days after receiving a denial notice to file the next appeal. Waiting can cause you to miss that deadline and lose your right to continue the same claim. You may then need to start over, which can add months to an already lengthy process. Acting quickly also gives your lawyer more time to gather records, address problems and prepare your appeal.

What Happens When You Talk To A Judge?

Talking to an ALJ is your first chance to make your case for disability benefits face-to-face. It’s normal to be nervous. But Tom Bothwell and the legal team at Bothwell Hamill & Sutton, PLLC, know how to get you prepared and confident.

Our attorneys will take care of all of this:

• Analyzing your Social Security file
• Preparing your case and strategy
• Gathering additional evidence from your doctors and medical providers
• Making legal arguments
• Preparing you to testify
• Questioning witnesses for your case
• Cross-examining medical and vocational experts who testify about you

Our experienced Bothwell Hamill & Sutton, PLLC, team can help you prepare for the ALJ hearing and eventually help your chances of winning benefits.

Do You Have Better Odds Of Winning Your Disability Appeal With A Lawyer?

A lawyer cannot promise that Social Security will approve your appeal. However, legal representation can help you present a clearer and more complete case.

Your lawyer can review the denial, identify missing proof and gather records that explain how your condition limits your ability to work. Your attorney can then prepare you for questions, develop legal arguments and respond to medical or vocational testimony. Because each task supports the next, your evidence and testimony can present one consistent account of your limitations.

Bothwell Hamill & Sutton, PLLC, charges no attorney fee until you win. You do not pay an upfront attorney fee, so you can seek representation without adding an immediate legal bill while you are unable to work.

Schedule Your Free Consultation To Jumpstart Your Appeal Today

Social Security often brings in expert medical witnesses. They can hurt your chances of winning benefits. We know how to counter them. According to Social Security’s own statistics, people get the benefits they need more often when they have a disability lawyer than when they don’t.

For experienced representation that can make a difference, choose Bothwell Hamill & Sutton, PLLC. Our lawyers are ready to fight for you and determine if you qualify for benefits. Call us at 509-606-6917 or complete this online form to schedule your free case review. We serve both English- and Spanish-speaking clients.

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