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I was trained as a lawyer. I don't practice as one now, though; I spent most of my career as a teacher before I became--here it comes--disabled. But I did do some work pro bono for legal aid corporations and I know a few tricks. It's actually surprisingly straightforward. If you can, find the CFRs (Codes of Federal Regulations) by which Social Security must operate. Then, using those, present yourself as someone who is UNABLE TO WORK (people often forget that part) because of symptoms of mental illnesses (get as many diagnoses as possible), the need to attend therapy, the inadequacy of therapy, the inadequacy of drugs, and the side effects of drugs (that one is also frequently forgotten). The other poster who said that his friend preferred psych disability cases has a point. Social Security would love to argue with your orthopedist's determination about how long you can sit or stand or crouch or whatever. But once a psychiatrist and a therapist (and maybe a social worker too, for good measure) have all said--he just can't do any work; he's too f****d up; he has too many problems with authority; all he can do is lie motionless in his bed--well, those conclusions are very hard for Social Security to argue with. Contact me by private email if you want further help. I believe that people do become disabled--they aren't just trying to hose the system--and they deserve to be treated properly.
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