My initial SSDI claim was denied and I am filing my appeal this coming Monday. Has anybody on the board hired a lawyer and successfully received SSDI benefits with the lawyer's help? I am located in metropolitan Chicago area. If anyone could recommend an attorney for my upcoming hearing, I would really appreciate it!

Just a bit of history on me:

My rheumatologist diagnosed me with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) Syndrome. It is considered a form of degenerative arthritis. There are flowing calcifications along the sides of the vertebrae of the spine. It is also commonly associated with inflamation (tendonitis) and calcification of tendons at their attachments points to the bone.

It is extremely painful and it makes it very difficult to walk, stand, sit down and let alone work.

Thanks in advance,
Spineless