Hey,
John, what ever you do start by filling out the SSDI through the Social Security Office. The sooner you start the process and if you get onto SSDI they will go back to the date you first filld it out. It took me like awhile to get on to SSDI and Iagree with Bebop, the doctors have to fill an asportment of papers out and then it goes in front of a a cunch of doctors and trhey will most likely deny you they did me and I think that is just part of it. I know of ppl who have went through lawyers but I do know lawyers are out for your back pay, which is all the time you spent waiting for SSDI and they take a little more than half of your back pay. I personally don't see hirig a lawyer because it takes just as long and really there isn't too much they can do to help you get on any quicker than you can. It does take abit of leg work but the sooner you call that 800 # to Social Secuirty the faster it will come. They always told me I could deliver pizza's. Then You appeal it, I would try to do it alone but that is just me and I also think the lawyers are just out for that big back pay you get and that is only my opinion but what ever help you.

Good Luck to you and I'll send as much good luck your way to!
Thacrew