Did you mean a physical therapist? It's my understanding their opinion is given very little weight in the process.

My attorney is supposed to be one of the "best" in my area for SS as well. Maybe yours is great, but it's very common for them to only review your file right before heading into the ALJ. Their commissions are too low IMO for them to justify the hours really required. Fighting for a remand is much easier IMO than getting a Fully Favorable decision.

I had the barest of hurdles to contend with to prove my condition was as severe as I was claiming by the time I was in front of an ALJ (for the last time.) It seemed ridiculous. But it took countless hours to research and document, and I had several favorable doc opinions. If it's just your one doc being weighed against the SS doc, the ALJ has a much easier time handing down a denial. Clearly your ALJ is tougher than most, but that's all the more reason to give additional evidence.

I'm just trying to give info that might help with your next round. I found parts of the process to be nonsensical. (Having to argue that I couldn't perform a job that existed in the mid 80's, but no longer does, for example.) It is what it is.

One last strategy is to to try and work. I'm assuming you'd be terminated very quickly and a pattern documenting that your disability precludes you from any type of job would help you. Again, Voc Rehab, would be a good place to start.