I don't have a lawyer recommendation for you. Are you positive you need one?
There is lots of information available online regarding SSDI and the process is actually pretty straightforward. I applied without using a lawyer/service and was approved first attempt. Assuming that you have enough work credits to potentially get SSDI, the SSA uses a 5-step process to determine eligibility:
1. Are you working and earning more than $1260/month? If so, not eligible
2. Is your condition expected to limit your functional ability to work for at least 12 months? Documenting functional capacity is one of the 2 keys to getting approved (here's some general info on how to to do it howtogeton.wordpress.com/sample-residual-functional-capacity-forms-rfc-forms/). SSDI doesn't care about your list of medical diagnoses and symptoms. They only want to know if you have limits on your ability sit/stand/walk/make decisions/interact with others/stay awake etc for the purposes of working. Translating your medical conditions into functional impairments is the step most people don't understand & mess up. If so, move on to #3.
3. Do you meet the definition for one of SSDI's recognized disabling conditions? This is the 2nd of the 2 keys to getting approved. The SSDI "Blue Book" is publicly accessible (
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm). It's the list & definition of covered disabling conditions. If you meet a definition, you can tailor your doctor's statements and your personal statements to make clear that you believe you meet a definition. If #2 and #3 are true, you're eligible for SSDI. If #2 is true but you don't meet #3, then SSDI uses 2 more evaluations (#4 & #5). This is a lot messier & slower.
4. Can you do any work that you're trained for? If so, not eligible
5. Do you have skills to do any other type of work? If so, not eligible
Basically, if you meet a definition in the Blue Book AND you can document expected functional capacity limitations for at least 12 months (
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/sample-residual-functional-capacity-forms-rfc-forms/) you are eligible. SSDI is bureaucratic and slow but really very clear. SSDI attorneys charge a fortune for some pretty basic paperwork that I think is a rip-off. In contrast, I also have private disability insurance and that's a beast from hell that I have to have lawyers and consultants to manage for me.
