I work as a "cog" in that system. I don't determine the claims nor completely understand the criteria, but I do work with the medical examiners who do.

Many with mental illnesses get denied not because of lack of evidence, but lack of "program acceptable" evidence. Maybe a specific test was not administered (by an approved source) or the medical records are sporadic or inconsistent. In those cases the examiner will order consultative exams to get a better idea what is going on and the medicated well mannered (stable at that moment) client comes in and shows no symptoms. They have to go off that exam.

Remember that the people working on your claim do not mean any harm. They are bound by the rules and regulations of the agency. I have seen a great many of them try every trick they can think of to allow someone only to be forced to deny.

As far as what to do next, I suggest a reconsideration. Information about having your case re-evaluated should have came with the decision. I don't know exactly what it is called cause I have never been on that side of things. But I know you can ask for a second look.

You're in my thoughts. Stay strong. I hope everything works out alright in the end