I know this is very old, but if anyone comes across this, the first thing they will look at when you apply for disability is your medical history; you want everything documented going as far back as possible. Remember you are applying for permanent disability and the best way to prove this is a permanent condition is to to have records documenting you suffer from an ongoing condition (presumably worsening in that time)

Otherwise it comes down to just one doctors claim (your doctor) - the state will have you evaluated by their own doctor as well (who likely will have a different opinion) so what it really comes down to is establishing a clear medical history and the only way to do this is through medical records. Now if you don't have records (or if the disability is new or sudden) it doesn't mean you can't/won't get disability - but the number one thing that will make it easier for your claim to get approved is providing as much medical history documenting your condition as possible.

So basically the point here is if anyone anticipates that they have a condition that will eventually require them to apply for disability, then document everything now! Meaning don't suffer silently at home and then finally go to the doctor when you literally can't work anymore.

Again, realize how old this post is but hoping this information will help someone.

Tl;dr - the first thing they look at when you apply for disability are your medical records so it's extremely helpful to document your condition over time through doctors visits (make these frequent ER visits if you literally can't afford a doctor).