The Social Security Administration defines disability, i.e. "Disabled" as being a person that is no longer able to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA), as the result of a physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least 1 year, or possibly result in death.

Individuals qualify for social security benefits
where their disabling condition is severe
enough that they are unable to perform their
past work and also unable to perform any
other type of work that would provide a
substantial amount of income. Currently the
SGA amount is $900.00 before taxes.

Denials
It is not uncommon for a claim for SSD to be
denied. In fact, it is the norm and appeals are
generally required for disability benefits to be
established.

If the application for SSD is denied, do not reapply. This is a common mistake made by applicants for disability benefits. You should never reapply because new applications will simply be denied again. Instead, let us file an appeal. It is simply a fact that represented cases have a much higher chance of winning than those that are not represented.