This is kind of like writing a resume. You can pay some high-dollar dude/gal a bunch to write you a resume but at the end of the day, you have to sit in front of the hiring committee and sell that resume to them. Might as well do it yourself so that you are intimately familiar with what's on it.
I did a minimum amount of research, filed, and received 60% six months after the initial filing. I also rest comfortably knowing nothing that I filed will mess with my faa medical. I was 100% honest with the VA and the FAA.