We do not like to talk about bad things. But sometimes it happens. The Administrative Law Judge rules against you, and says you are not disabled.
It is emotionally devastating. However, you still have options.
First, you can appeal the decision to the Appeals Council. This a paper review that takes place in Washington D.C. This means there is no additional testimony. The Appeals Council reviews all your file from the hearing, and a transcript of the hearing testimony. This typically takes anywhere from 2 months to one year to receive a decision. The decision can range from another denial, to a reversal with a finding of disability, or a remand to the judge with instructions to develop more evidence regarding specific areas.
Second, you can also reapply at the same time as you appeal. The advantage to reapplying is that your case may be given to a different judge and it is usually processed faster the second time since the file has already been prepared for hearing.
The Social Security Disability process is long and has many twists at times so you must be prepared for the long haul.