getting it may not be related to having a dx. I had a dx of MS when
I applied, but I still lost twice, and won on the third try. One reason
I won was because my records had been lost, and my congressman
found them. I think his finding them had a beneficial result on the
consideration, but who knows? It seems to be almost routine that
no one wins on the first try.

I did win on the first try with my private disability from work. They said
I was incapable of doing any work. I was very bad at that time, and they
gave me a four hours test by a physiatrist. That is a person who tests
your capacity physically and mentally. I got better later...I was really
bad then, but it didn't help with Social Security.

If you look good or look capable, I am told, it works against you, but
I was not going to deliberately look bad, and on the day I had my
hearing I was well enough to walk and hold my head up and answer
questions. It all depended on the day. But I persisted in making out
forms for several years and got the disability. What a racket...if they
tested you as they did for my private disability, it would possibly help?
But it seems to be a crap shoot, and many get it on their third try.