Quote from denner:
One of the bigger problems is that we have so much damn fraud in the system that the truly disabled get f'd by the number of perma-fraudsters that look for any scheme they can think of to get on the government dole.
True. A lot of people apply for SSD claiming psych disorders (bipolar, depression, etc.) that are much more subjective than being paralyzed from a car wreck. In the end, it may just come down to hiring the best attorney and hoping a "sympathetic" analyst awards your claim.
In addition, many receive SSI which is a pure welfare program. It's not based on working a certain number of quarters. You can start receiving it any time (including childhood) and not do a day of work in your life. What's more, there's an incentive not to work as it can reduce your SSI payments.