Medical Conditions that Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits

 In order to automatically qualify for Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI), you must be diagnosed with a qualifying disease or injury.  Such injuries and disabilities are listed by the Social Security Administration in a manual known as the “blue book”, which includes both physical and mental impairments.  These qualifying conditions are as follows:

  • Musculoskeletal conditions, such as back injuries and trauma
  • Cardiovascular problems, including congestive heart failure and certain heart diseases
  • Sensory conditions, such as impaired hearing or vision problems
  • Respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder
  • Neurological diseases, such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease
  • Mental conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder and manic depression
  • Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, HIV, Aids and certain forms of arthritis
  • Digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome
  • Cancer
  • Skin conditions, such as dermatitis
  • Urological and genitourinary conditions, such as kidney failure

In the event that your medical condition is not one of the enumerated impairments listed above, you may still be able to qualify for SSDI.  Specifically, your disability may be considered medically equivalent to the one of the blue book’s qualifying conditions.  This is what the SSA refers to as “equaling a disability listing”.  For example, if you are diagnosed with a form of arthritis that is not listed above but is medically similar to one of the listings, you may still qualify for SSDI.

A person who files for SSDI may still be eligible to receive disability benefits even if his or her condition does not meet or equal one that is listed in the blue book.  In this case, the SSA will evaluate the nature of your impairment and the degree in which it affects your ability to work and perform basic tasks.   For instance, those that suffer from migraine headaches may still be eligible for SSDI if the claimant’s condition makes it impossible to work either in a full or part time capacity.  The fact that migraine headaches are not listed in the blue book is of no consequence when a claimant’s level of impairment is severe.  In order to prove your eligibility in this regard, it is recommended that you document your condition and the level in which it prevents you from functioning in a work environment.

Call the Sanger Law Office Now for a Free Consultation

For more information, contact the Sanger Law Office for a free consultation at 785-979-4353.  Ms. Sanger will review your application before submission or advise you as to the best ways in which you can appeal a denial of benefits.  The Sanger Law Office is centrally located in Lawrence, KS and represents clients facing all types of SSDI issues in both Kansas and Missouri.  Ms. Sanger looks forward to helping you get the benefits that you deserve and in getting your life back on track.

 

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