The first question that needs to be answered is "Are you working?" Disability under Social Security is based on the inability to work. If the answer is: "Yes, I am still working", then you are not "disabled" as that term is used by Social Security if you are earning more than $1,310.00 per month before with-holdings are deducted from your paycheck (taxes, social security, etc.). It doesn't matter how bad your medical conditions are - if you are not blind and you are grossing more that $1,310.00 per month in earnings, you will not be approved for Social Security disability benefits. If, however, you are not working or if you are working but earning less than $1,310.00 per month in gross earnings, we then move on to the second question in the 5-step sequential evaluation process.
For more information: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/sga.html; 20 C.F.R. Section 404.1520(a)(4)(i).