In the realm of disability cases, reaching the Appeals Council level can feel like ascending a steep legal mountain. Numerous factors contribute to the complexity and difficulty of winning a case at this stage, making it a formidable challenge for both claimants and their legal representatives. Limited Scope of Review: The Appeals Council primarily conducts a review of the administrative law judge's decision rather than a comprehensive reevaluation of the case. This limited scope restricts the introduction of new evidence, placing substantial importance on the initial hearing.