HOW DOES SOCIAL SECURITY DEFINE DISABILITY

The social security administration defines disability in a fairly strict sense, and only in the context of total disability. Unlike workman's comp (which allows for permanent partial disability) or veterans disability (which allows for a percentage-basis rating, e.g. 30% disability), to receive SSI disability or social security disability, a claimant must be considered completely, and unequivocally, disabled. 

According to the SSA.GOV website, "Disability under Social Security is based on your inability to work". This includes your past work (generally, work you performed for a year or longer at any time within the last 15 years) and "other work". 

What is other work? It is work that (based upon the consideration of your age, education, and your physical and/or mental restrictions) you might reasonably be expected to transfer your existing work skills to. 

The social security administration's definition of disability also stipulates that an individual's disability must either have lasted, or is expected to last, one full year, or will possibly result in death.