I am new here and if I have posted this in the wrong place, I apologize. I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia 5 years ago. Last week, I was rated as 100% disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs as the result of being exposed to Agent Orange in 1969/70. I will start receiving benefits from them and will also now apply for Social Security Disabilty. That is a scary thought in itself, especially in light of the CBS Evening news reports (last night and tonight) on Social Security Disability, and the apparent denial of almost all first time applicants. I am getting conflicting device on whether or not I need a lawyer, and have had one law firm tell me that there was no need to have an attorney in the initial application phase because 1) I may not be denied and could save the fees, and 2) the initial phase primarily consists of providing Social Security with all your medical info (which I am gathering now). That sounds reasonable I guess, does anyone suggest otherwise? Again, this is new ground for me and I am new to this board, so if I should post this question elsewhere, let me know. Thanks to all for taking time to read this.