I was denied the first time I applied. Got approved on appeal.

My neuro, who's in Northbrook, told me there are only 2 reasons that SSDI is approved for the most part-back pain and cognitive dysfunction.
I was approved due to cognitive dysfunction. But after I got denied, he told me to write in very simple words how I am unable to work due to the issues with memory, organizing information, etc.
Did you have a neuropsych exam yet? If not, that should be on your list of things to get done. See if there are hospitals like Rush who will take your case for free...call around. If not, maybe U of Illiinois hospital will take your case...I know they took my sister's high risk pregnancy, even though she was poor.