I think you're both right about SSA although I'm sure they do the best they can. Maybe
I'll just repeat a few things here for people who may read this thread in future. Long ago I was being treated for severe depression/agitated and severe anxiety. I was lucky enough to have twice a week therapy with a pdoc and therapist and had a good MD as well. I applied for SSDI at the urging of the pdoc and therapist. Obviously I had full support and assistance from all three with the application process. Denied. The pdoc told me almost everyone is denied initially and strongly ( I do mean strongly) urged me to appeal. I couldn't. I was in no shape to go through any appeals process or hearings. Advice: follow through... go beyond what you think you are capable of. If you fall apart/break down in the process it probably helps your case. You can always put yourself back together later... it isn't as if you'll be that much worse off in terms of your illness.
This time... the ALJ based his decision on physical ailments as well as depr/anx. Much as I try not to believe it, I am not well and may never be again. I do a little lawn service work to make some money. On the days after I work I am physically done. I spend the next day or two recovering. There is no way I could actually earn a living this way. Okay, some cheese to go with that whine Don't give up and if you have physical ailments, make them know if you are trying to get SSDI.
There may be more I could say to help and if I think of more later I'll update.
As for me... I'm taking this small windfall and after paying off bills and debts I will purchase a cremation policy, put a little aside for a cat fund, and buy a cheap sporty type car. The light at the end of the tunnel is indeed a train. I plan to meet it with the top down and the stereo blasting