I hear you there! Thanks for the input. I'm trying to put on my "lawyer hat". Updating you, I just got a letter from the DOL saying that my request for a hearing was received and sent to adjudication. It was mentioned that this process takes weeks. From what the letter says, if they don't change the determination, it'll be forwarded for a hearing to be scheduled, but if they change it, I'll be notified.
Have you (or anyone else here/thanks to commentator for the detailed post btw) heard it happen often that the adjudicator overturns the determination and your benefits get approved? More importantly, will they have any contact with me? When I googled the adjudication process, I found some people referring to interviews and questions being asked during the process, but it wasn't clear if they meant during the claim process in general or if the adjudicator's office itself contacts you with questions.

