In most states, if you want to appeal a denial of Social Security disability benefits, you have to go through reconsideration. There is no way to avoid it. In a few states the Social Security Administration has abolished reconsideration and you can file an immediate request for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. The denial notice from Social Security will tell you what the next step is that you need to take. If you do move forward with reconsideration, you should strongly consider obtaining an attorney to represent you.