Nanners,
I am sorry to read this but I think you are right that it may be a blessing in disguise as now you won't have to worry about making the decision yourself re retiring or trying to hang in there. It has been taklen out of your hands. I do believe that you will get past the anxiety this is causing you to feel right now and that choosing to see a disability attorney is the best move for you.
I agree, HR employees work for the company.
Sending you prayers of peace,
Kitt