Disability payments "converted" into retirement benefits

Yes, this should be possible. If you cannot work because of health problems, you should consider applying for Social Security disability benefits. The amount of the disability benefit is the same as a full, unreduced retirement benefit. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, those benefits will be converted to retirement benefits.

Note the full retirement age for someone born 1943-1954 is 66 years old.