Jimbo,
I think it's ideal to find an excellent SSDI attorney with RSD experience, but I just don't think the RSD experience is vital. The OP is in Hawaii, so unless she's on Oahu, it might be a difficult task to find one anyway.

Since we all differ so much, it's hard to compare RSD patients anyway. And what is required to prove each applicant can vary so much, IMO, that you really have to address all the functional limitations, severity of symptoms, meds, and their side effects, etc.

It's a tough balancing act deciding WHEN to file. The longer you wait, the more your finances are hurt. But, you can delay approval by not being mentally prepared and learning what is required of you to document the severity of your disability.

You have to stay optimistic about your potential to go into remission. On the other hand, you have to be brutally honest with the reality of your current limitations. This can be confusing and overwhelming.

RSD does change our brain chemistry. Depression is a real issue. Having to accept a long-term, even potentially permanent, disability is a major life stressor. Getting help to sort through all the feelings that will come with the SSD process, on top of Everything else, is probably a good idea in general...