What is considered disabled for the purpose of receiving social security benefits?

A person is considered "disabled" for the purpose of receiving social security benefits if he or she is unable to "engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months." 42 U.S.C. 423(d)(1)(A). In order for the claimant to qualify for benefits, that impairment must result from "anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities which are demonstrable by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques." 42 U.S.C. 423(d)(3); Gallant v. Heckler, 753 F.2d 1450, 1452 (9th Cir.1984).