I applied last year based on physical ailments, as I had not sought help for mental issues, and was hesitant to disclose them. I did answer the application questions honestly about social life and stress and detailed my battle with mental issues in that section. I was examined at two consultative exams. The first one at the local hospital where they took xrays.The second exam was at a run down strip mall, where a lone doctor set a plywood sign outside a walk in door noting the address. Inside there were tarps hanging, to separate the very small carpeted area from the abandoned retail space. A tiny exam room where i was interviewed, asked to walk the building barefoot, and had the doctor physically move all my limbs while on a table. A few months later I received the denial letter. Nobody had asked anything about the mental issues I wrote down, and only two of the seven physical issues were even examined. I did not use a lawyer, which in hindsight was a serious mistake on my part.

My work record had degraded to only working somewhere a few months before being unable to cope and quitting, with a long stretch between jobs. I have been self employed off and on, as I can control the schedule and deny new work if I'm not up to it. I turned down a project today, and I am very close to default on financial obligations.

I hope your process with social security goes well for you. I am considering retaining a law firm to try again, now that I have began professional treatment for mental health issues.