I had to go the lawyer route as well, but did get approved that way after the first hearing...but yeah it was still really stressful which sucks. Have you submitted anymore medical evidence since you initially applied? Aside from that the lawyer should help with a lot of the other details and can help dig up necessary medical records they do end up getting a portion of the back pay in payment if you win the case, if not though then you don't owe them at all........but hopefully it would work out and you'd get approved.