You should find out whether or not a lawyer is worth hiring when you initially apply. Consider what is the initial approval rate for disability in your state? I did not hire an attorney until I was denied the first time around, as everyone in my state is denied the first time around (unless they are dying).

Your medical records are going to be seen as the most important element when applying for disability, so healthcare providers who back up your disability claim with thorough notes that support your diagnosis are extremely important.

I did get a GAF score on an evaluation that I was ordered to take in July 2013, so it's not true about it not being used after May 2013. However, it's not very important in the overall scheme of things as it was really used as a snapshot of how I was doing at that moment, not overall.