Look at my replies of some other posters, and also read the success stories from others who were awarded after the first denial.
DON'T get a Lawyer. I applied, at age 38, with Bipolar II with severe side effects due to meds. I was denied the first time. I appealed and re-submitted - NO Lawyer - after 4 weeks I was approved and did get back pay.
what the lawyer gets is 25% of your back pay owed with a cap of 5200.00 that is the max that the atty can make some have suggested that some not all but some lawyers drag their feet filing your appeals and things of that nature b/c a lawyer can try and get your case heard and quickly as possible push you thru but it does no good for him i mean if the lawyer maybe slows down a little b/c the soc. sec. is already behind and if the lawyer takes his time til you reach enough back pay so that he can earn his cap of 5200. i personally know this happens. the 1st attorney i hired had all these great tv ads and how good they were and nobody beats them well i bought the sell and hired them after my 1st year of appeals and etc i was real upset. once i signed on as a client that was it i never got return phone calls emails i mean at 1 point i called twice a day every day for 2 weeks finally having to get so rude that i got a letter stating they thought i would be best served elsewhere so on the advice of several people i hired a local attorney couldnt have hit the gold mine any better it is a world of difference so do yourself a favor hire a reputable local atty
hope this helps