Got the letter yesterday. I knew this would probably happen (statistically), but wasn't prepared for the anxiety/disappointment this would cause anyway. As an aside, this entire process is ridiculous and directly inconducive for helping folks that have mental health issues.

Absolutely no idea, based on SSA own description of disability, how I was denied. My reasons are anxiety, agoraphobia, and major depression. These keep me from leaving the house, dealing with stress, communicating reliably over any medium, or even reliably turning up for work/deadlines at all. I have no college degree. I have a personality disorder. My husband has to take off work to drive me to my frequent appointments. My psychiatrist and my counselor support me fully, have solid records, and submitted extra statements of support. I have a freaking genetic test positive for serotonin transporter abnormality - what more concrete evidence is there for mental health disability? ....SSA thinks I'm still capable of some kind of work - I'd lovvvve for them to give me an example of just what job they think accommodates random attendance, not leaving the house, rage, and not being able to communicate. Just completely baffled and furious. I know I shouldn't dwell much on it and that this happens to many, but effing A, OCD is part of the entire problem - I can't help it! I mean, did they read anything at all?...

Anyway...I am appealing of course, and have started the application, which is ridiculous in itself. However, I wanted to see if anyone had any personal advice for how to go about the appeal process - things that seemed to make a big difference or that you realized you left out in the original application, et cetera. I realize ideally that getting a lawyer would probably be best, and I've certainly not ruled that out, but am curious if there is anything beyond that, something I can do myself or be sure to include. Thanks for reading.

Edit: Also, should I make some sort of statement in the review/remarks section? ...If passive aggression is allowed, I'm doing it. :P