When my partner tried to apply for disability, she was initially denied. So she appealed with the help of a lawyer to try to put things in her favor.

The lawyer showed up with a massive stack of papers, said “wow, this is the most proof I’ve seen, this should go smoothly.”

My partner goes into the hearing. She comes out quite quickly, and tells me what happened. The judge confirmed her identity, asked her about her transgender-related healthcare, then said there’s no more questions, it seems like she can work, and that the appeal was over.

The lawyer said nothing in the appeal. On the way out, he said “huh, I thought that was a sure thing.” We never heard from the law agency again. They were the biggest agency in a major city.

Of course the denial letter didn’t mention being trans at all, instead it said she’s just lazy, and even had a claim that her medical history is likely faked.

It’s an amazing system – very successful in denying people benefits.