Someone has a medical condition that renders him unable to work for about a week or so at a time, but at a very unpredictable schedule. As a result, he can't find an employer who would be willing to accept this sort of unpredictability.

He would be completely fit and able to work during the weeks that his condition is not surfacing/symptomatic.

Should he be able to collect disability full time? If not, what should he do?

The SSA has the disability guidelines set so high I'm surprised anyone qualifies. It's a shame he can't find an employer who is a little more flexible or sympathetic. I don't know what kind of training he has or his experience but if he could find a job he could also do at least some of the work from home that might work for him.

There's also an intermittant FMLA leave that you can enact through having your doctor fill out a form for you. That allows you to come and go on an as needed basis for the amounts of time the doc specifies to enable you to deal with whatever health issue you're facing. Sometimes you can't predict when you'll need to take health-related time off, and that covers you.

I had 2 of those going at once a couple of years ago--one for myself so I could call in sick anytime based on how I was feeling while on chemo, and the other for my daughter, so I could leave work/call in on a moment's notice when she was having a very bad period of seizures.

Yes. If you can't find full time employment because of a health condition, you should get disability. In the meantime, do something with yourself and perhaps find some pick up work here and there. I know that SS check ain't a lot.

I tend to agree with NYStyle. I can't think of a line of business that could be that flexible. Therefore, the person is unemployable. There are a LOT of people less deserving drawing disability (such as one nephew of mine. . . and one day I just may report him).

The SSA is the gateway to hell. I wish anyone ever having to deal with them the best of luck. They're gonna need it.