I am going through Merit Disability for my own SSI Benefits Claim. I have been through three lawyers and getting denied seven times.
Make sure that your Rheumatologist is familiar with Ankylosing Spondylitis and the co-diseases that hitch a ride with it.
I first got the blood work to rule out any other diseases. Such as Lupus erythematosus.

Then my rheumatologist ordered a genetic test that came back positive for HLA-B27. Then I had an MRI times nineteen now.

I am keeping my own medical records of every single appointment with the results of every single test done. I typically call the imagining department of the hospital or clinic where it was done and request that the test and the reports be put on a disc. I then go and pick it up myself and sign the paperwork for it.

But the most important thing is to document every single day as you go through it and include the symptoms, the treatments that you are using, any medications that you take and explain the way the symptoms are affecting you and how they are preventing you from being able to work. Include a Mental Health Care Plan.

Another good place to start is with the Spondylitis Association. They can mail you a packet of information and give you an example of how to write your narrative.

I am praying for you 💞🙏.Hang in there 💞

I was told that you have to keep trying as for some reason the ALJ seems to think that if you keep coming back time and time again that it proves that you are Disabled.