Dan, the BAF had a blog from a disability lawyer. She had put in great things for how to get disability I think she was from PA or one of the Northern states. It took me four years to get approved. I think he call to my Senator really helped because my case was reviewed and accepted two weeks later. They only went back to my 55th birthday, not 53rd when I ruptured. Lawyer said my age and educational level hurt me in receiving SS. 55 seems to be a magic age.
Good luck!