Thank you all for your help, LIT LOVE, for the links
The BLOG link is absolutely fantastic! Answers so many questions and easy to understand.

I am just a MESS over all of this. I live on a prairie in the middle of nowhere, so I'm having hard time finding representation, time is ticking toward the 60-day appeal deadline....

I've read that only a tiny percent (12% - 18%) of 1st-time appeals get approved, so I may as well just fill out the online forms, go thru the motions (knowing that I'm probably gonna be denied this time around)...and then hopefully I should have found representation by the time my ALJ hearing is scheduled........that is IF I don't lose my mind in the process

Sorry for the vent...I know most people who come here are frustrated, nervous, overwhelmed, etc. The support is very much appreciated, especially to those who have no other outlet......except for the prairie dogs maybe

Rae