You do not have to have an attorney to appeal. It is good to send it certified that way you have proof that you sent it.

My son has autism but is high functioning plus he has mild retardation. I filled out his paperwork and gave them current reports from the doctors and he was approved right away. He does have a job and so currently he does not get any money from SSI but he still has an open case. I send them in his paycheck stubs every other month. He also goes in once a year to see them.

If he was to loose his job all I would have to do is all and say he lost his job and his SSI would start right away. So you really need to make sure your doctors are on board with you getting SSI. Depending on your DX is what depends on if you qualify or not