I couldn't have dealth with disability without a lawyer. He took 25% one time on my back pay. I had my pdoc recommend a lawyer and she filled out paperwork to support my decision. I have all the illnesses you do, but my therapist told me bipolar is the only thing that will work. This varies in states and being a Vet is probably entirely different. You also had gaps in treatment if you were stationed on the front lines. A word of warning - ssdi is not enough money to live on with a single income. But, my medicare is awesome and on ssdi I can keep an inheritance or profit from my house that's on the market. This is not a steady income like renting out my house. For my employment history they went back 14 years and medical 3 years.