Right now, he HAS adjusted to other work

Advancing age could help him make the case that he won't be able to adjust to another job after this one though ~

http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify4.htm

"Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:

•You cannot do work that you did before;
•We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
•Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

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http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify5.htm

To decide whether you are disabled, we use a step-by-step process involving five questions. They are:

1.Are you working?

If you are working in 2011 and your earnings average more than $1,000 a month, you generally cannot be considered disabled.

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http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify6.htm

4.Can you do the work you did previously?

If your condition is severe but not at the same or equal level of severity as a medical condition on the list, then we must determine if it interferes with your ability to do the work you did previously. If it does not, your claim will be denied. If it does, we proceed to Step 5.

Additional information about Step 4.

5.Can you do any other type of work?

If you cannot do the work you did in the past, we see if you are able to adjust to other work. We consider your medical conditions and your age, education, past work experience and any transferable skills you may have. If you cannot adjust to other work, your claim will be approved. If you can adjust to other work, your claim will be denied.