Just wanted to say I finally got a court date this month and was given a favorable decision from the judge. I had applied in 1999, denied, appealed in 2002, denied, appealed and in 2003 got a attorney. And finally after four years got my court hearing and won.
The advice given here is excellent. Be sure to keep up with your medical records and keep going at it as long as it takes. I have borrowed money to live on and had yard sales and hobbies money to help, but it has been a real struggle to deal with illnesses and depression caused by illness and not being able to work. I wish anyone going through this process the best of luck.