I was denied unemployment benefits because I took a severance, but others that took it were not denied?

It might have been checked when you first filled out the application form, and the other didn't. That is very possible. You can call the unemployment office and find out exactly what the specific would be, but there is high chance that the appeal will be rejected.

No, during an appeal this is not something that will work for you. Also, during an appeal hearing a lawyer will not help you. You can not sue the state for unemployment benefits. Like others posted, did you claim the severance in your application? If so, they may say you can not collect money for a little while (depending on how much you were paid), but the claim will open after a certain time. Maybe the others declared it?

"He did it" is no defense. Others should not be qualified. To be paid for 10 weeks (for example) is like being employed for those ten weeks. Thus the company's essentially paying you. You can dispute the denial and perhaps start unemployment after the severance weeks end.