I'm on social security disability because of a cumulative back injury from too much heavy lifting over a period of time. I had a pretty comprehensive medical paper trail through the V.A. medical system, so when I applied in 2014, I was approved the first time around. I understand that getting approved the first time is not all that common, but I guess the V.A. had enough of a medical history with me to prove my claim. I also think that my age at the time of application, 59, was perhaps a factor. If my back wouldn't have gotten so bad as to end up on disability, I was going to take early retirement at age 62 anyway. It would have been less money per month than I get now, but I would have taken it anyway. It would have probably been somewhere around 800 dollars a month at age 62, but I'd have taken it. A part time job would probably have been necessary to live any better than pure survival mode, but that would have been acceptable. At this point, a part time job would be difficult for me, they don't let you sit down when you need to take the pressure off your back when you're flipping burgers or greeting people at the walmart entrance.