the 1st time applied, i was promptly denied. the 2nd time, it was a psychiatrist's idea for me to apply. he worked at a community/state-funded outpatient mental health clinic. 2nd time...I had my dad take me down to the local social security office, had some face to face interaction with some (surprisingly nice and professional) people, then it was approved.
i was reviewed every.single.year for....3, 4 years. kinda forget, now. it was unnerving, let's put it that way. after the last review i think somehow i got reclassified to be reviewed a bit less often, thank goodness.
I've heard that Trump's Presidency is making it worse for those on disability or applying for disability. You were wise to get a lawyer.
sorry about your situation.