Hi, it's 9Lives... :-) I'm also in the process of trying for social security disability through the state (in addition to my pending VA disability case). So far, the state has turned me down 2x so I hired a lawyer. He's one of those lawyer's who doesn't get paid until you win your case so, he had his staff review my claim before deciding to take me on as his client. He feels positive that I'll win once we get a hearing & says it's normal to be turned down 1x or 2x especially when you're young (I'm 33) and when you have "hidden" disabilities. I still don't understand the state's logic for turning me down as I also submitted doctors letters stating I cannot work due to debilitating pain and combined medical disabilities of Diabetes, Peripheal Neuropathy in 3 limbs, Fibromyalgia, Hypertension, PVCs, Tachycardia, PTSD, anxiety/panic attacks, migraines, & Depression but, we'll see how it turns out. Apparently though, it can take a few years before you win your case (mine's going on 2 yrs). So, I'd start your paperwork right away (it's not hard but, there's a lot of it to fill out) and I wish you the Best Luck! I also found good information on this site: http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/
Take care!