dear juggy: The first time I applied for SSD I just did it on the computer all by myself. Of course I was denied right away. I did not appeal and I figured that was the end of it. A year or two later I reapplied but I got a lawyer. I used Binder and Binder. I went online and started the process. They sent me a lot of paperwork to fill out so that they could get ALL of my medical records from ALL of my doctors and hospitals too. The records that really mattered were the ones that were from the past three years. Those medical records won my case. I also, under advisement ( but not required ) went to a doctor that Binder and Binder works with and had him evaluate me ( for a cost, of course ). I never saw anyone in person from Binder and Binder until I was in the courtroom ! I had just been communicating with them via phone and mail. It took me 21 months to get a hearing date. I had my one hour in court, with my representative. Some other folks that work for the court were in there too ( one guy, I think, was in there trying to determine if I could work the same kind of job that I had previously worked at. Well, the answer to that was no). The judge decided in my favor right there before I left the room. I started to cry because I was so relieved. Then when myself and my representative left the courtroom he informed me that I was getting back-dated settlement back to 2 years and that I would already qualify for Medicare. I sobbed all the way home during my cab ride. My sister had been supporting me for about 9 months and I had no health insurance at the time of the court decision. I think my case is supposed to be reviewed every three years. My case was not only about my physical health, but also about my mental health. I think it was my Ulcerative Colitis and my mental health issues that won my case, but I am just speculating. I wish you the best of luck, but don't give up. It is a crazy process. Don't stop appealing.
Oh, I don't plan on it, I'm actually pissed, because I know I am disabled, all the doctors say I am as well and even theres gave me a favorable report ( Binder and Binder tells you not to see the states doctor at all } oddly enough, I first started out with Binder, but they had me doing all the leg work, and even missed a date, which caused me a denial. I switched to United after that, and I haven't had to do anything, they do absolutely everything. They also advised me to see the state doctor, and he gave me a favorable review ( favorable for me, not the state, though his report does gloss over stuff more than my primary ). United got my case on the appeal of Binders denial, I really thought it was a done deal until I got the second denial, now its and appeal of and appeal, if you understand that.
Even if this second appeal fails, United already said they will immediately refile, and this time my case will only be stronger. There was a lot I didn't know going into the process, like being a dumbass, I answered my questions as best case, my lawyer has already told me that was a no, no. You always fill them out worse case, assume the worse because there's almost no chance it will be best case anyways.
Even with that, I was one "job" away from getting it on the spot, for some reason they think I can get that job I doubt exists, never mind the fact, I couldn't hold it if it did. Like my lawyer say's to me, its not a matter of if, its a matter of when. Just pissed it has already taken this long, and there's a chance I may have to start over. Even if I do, my lawyer said it will go much faster that time around if it comes to that. Its just frustrating. If I didn't have my 65 year old mother around, I'd literally be on the street.
I'm glad you had a good experience with Binder, but I did not. I am very happy with United though.
My lawyer was confident afterward. I will click my heels when the verdict comes. Which could take 8 weeks. 
