Here is an over simplification as I understand it but keep in mind that MY understanding may be flawed. It is just the way I perceive the process.

The process: A person files a claim for disability.

Additional paperwork is requested by SSA and the applicant and a third party complete the requested papers and return them to SSA.

At this point, it is in the hands of SSA and they begin to gather information from treating sources you listed on your paperwork.

It is after they have gathered the information, they review your file and determine if you are eligible for benefits. THEY will utilize ALL methods to see if you qualify, ie, a listing, the grid, or the 5 step process.

It was during this process, the determination was made that for some reason, based on the information at hand, you do not qualify for benefits and a denial letter was sent to you.

The question is WHY you did not meet the qualifications. It could be that based on the medical information in your file did not indicate your medical conditions severe enough to go any further. This would have stopped the process at step 2 in the 5 step process.

The applicant does not decide which method is used for determination. This is a guided process used to see if an applicant is eligible under any of the methods and is determined and considered by SSA.

To jump to the conclusion you reached step 5 and that is the only stumbling block to cross for approval is not realistic.

As a well informed applicant, fully knowing and understanding the process, one can make some assumptions as to the reason and place it was determined that you were not eligible for benefits.

Based on the information provided in your posts and threads, a well informed person could possibly determine that you did not meet a listing, did not fit into the grid rules, and were denied during the 5 step process.

Without seeing the file compiled by SSDI, no one can tell you exactly what step at which you were denied benefits.

It could very well be that you were not considered to have a "severe" enough condition (step 2) to be eligible.

That does not mean that you are NOT experiencing the symptoms that you claim. This does not mean that you are not compromised in your ability to function at your normal levels. This is NOT a reflection upon YOUR abilities. It is simply that with the information at hand and in front of the SSDI (in your file), you do not meet their severity test at step 2.

This could be for various reasons. Maybe something was over looked. Maybe your medical records as obtained by SSDI did not substantiate your claim.

Maybe you DID in fact make it to step 5 but you do not know that to be the case.

You may want to ask your attorney what was indicated in your file. That will not provide you with all the answers and specifics but it may give you a better insight into the reason you were found ineligible for benefits.

Before and during the appeal process, you should obtain as much information as possible to discover the area(s) where you fell short of approval and then take actions to provide better or more documentation that can benefit your claim at an ALJ hearing.

Hope this helps a little.