Tangentially related, SSDI disability process does the same thing.

A bazillion hoops with no hope of doing it all correct unless you have a lawyer. Each step of the process is prolonged with denials, extentions, hearings, appointments, reviews, etc.

You can’t work during the process, so if they take long enough they can force your hand. Can you actually find some gainful activity? You better because you have bills and it’s year 3 now. Private disability insurance runs out after 2 years or so.

Oh look, you happen to be able to do a job. Looks like you aren’t disabled. Denied.