daylilyfan, you should sign up for SSDI now. The earlier the better because once you are approved you will receive payments from the day you applied (retroactive). Seek out a lawyer who deals with SSDI cases often. You could apply on your own, wait for the judgement then get a lawyer for the appeals but I wouldn't. Lawyers by law have to except a flat fee or % of your settlement, there is no haggling over price, it is already set by law--remember this! Different regions of the US have shorter or longer waiting times. As far as "automatic acceptance list SS uses" I'm not sure what automatic acceptance list SS is but RSD-CPRS is most definitely on their list.

daylilyfan, if you don't mind me asking, what was your trade? The reason I ask is my trade is half of what it used to be. I hope everything goes good for you. After reading your post you should qualify. But, sign up ASAP.