The same thing has happened too me. I have been denied twice now. I hired a lawyer for the reconsideration appeal and in about 3 months I received the letter that I had been denied yet again. That was in 2008. I started this in Jan 2007.

I think just about everyone is denied the first two times. My lawyer said that we will need to get a hearing with the ALJ now. He is working on a DOR. I hope this works and I don't have to have a hearing.
Don't give up. That is what they want. Good luck. I will keep you in my prayers.