Applying for benefits involves much more than filling out the disability application. The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a "Listing of Medical Impairments" (known as the blue book) that automatically qualify you for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), provided certain conditions are met. However, the SSA doesn’t require applicants for SSD to meet an exact listing if he or she has a condition that is medically equivalent to something listed above. Other common impairments that aren't listed in Social Security's blue book include carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic regional pain syndrome, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, celiac disease, and degenerative disc disease. The roster includes fast-moving cancers, immune-system and neurodegenerative diseases, rare genetic disorders and other illnesses that by definition meet Social Security’s standard for disability: They prevent sufferers from working or are likely to result in death. For all other conditions, the next step is to determine if your medical condition meets the specific criteria for that condition. This is not enough to prove you suffer from a disability, however. The SSA's Listing of Impairments is generally broken down by bodily system or function. Medical evidence for a Social Security disability case can include: The medical evidence must be recent and must encompass the time period from when you became disabled to the present time. Determining whether your medical condition qualifies for Social Security-related benefits can be confusing. Copyright © 2021, Thomson Reuters. The listing manual is frequently updated. Get approval tips with our SSDI Navigator, Get Approval Tips with our FREE SSDI Navigator email program, Copyright ©2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo ® Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. The listing manual, which has been updated for 2020, includes: For articles on getting disability for many common conditions, some of which are in the blue book and some of which aren't, see our section on Medical Conditions, Impairments, and Problems. It's generally better if the test results are already in your medical record before you apply. Whether you get hurt in a car crash or suddenly develop symptoms that result in a diagnosis with a debilitating medical condition, a disability can quickly change your life. 2.00. If your doctor agrees, it's time to apply for disability benefits. Google Chrome, There are fourteen categories under which conditions are evaluated, including musculoskeletal, special senses and speech, respiratory disorder, cardiovascular, digestive, genitourinary, hematological,  skin, endocrine, congenital, neurological, mental, cancer, and immune system disorder. In addition to the disabling conditions, the SSA also has a list of 88 conditions that automatically qualify for disability benefits under the Compassionate Allowances program. If you haven't been seeing a doctor, it's time to start. For adults, medical conditions that automatically qualify you for social security disability compensation include: Musculoskeletal problems, such as back conditions and other dysfunctions of the joints and bones; Senses and speech issues, such as vision and hearing loss; Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis The email address cannot be subscribed. Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy. Read on to know more about the medical conditions and requirements that automatically qualify you for social security disability. If you are between the ages of 50 and 65 years and suffer from a disability that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits CHECK IF YOU QUALIFY The application process to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) is notoriously slow, confusing, and complicated, but some medical conditions automatically qualify for disability. In this case, an applicant could qualify for benefits under a medical-vocational allowance. Lung transplant 3. Conditions that qualify for SSDI and SSI include: Cardiovascular System. The Social Security Administration has a listing of impairments that are widely recognized as causing disability when they reach a certain medical point. Endocrine System. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. Firefox, or go to your local Social Security office without an appointment. Reviewing the above list of what medical conditions that qualify for social security disability benefits can feel disheartening, especially if your disability claim doesn’t fall on the list. This is called "equaling a disability listing." There are some medical conditions that will be approved for disability benefits if you can prove that these conditions exist or that you are suffering from them just by your medical records. Special Senses and Speech. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Exertional levels vary from sedentary work to very heavy work and are based on how much weight you can lift and carry. The Social Security Administration has two separate systems of approval for mental and physical disabilities. The keys here are that the condition be a medically determinable impairment and that it reduces someone's RFC enough so that they can't do their prior job or any job. Liver transplant For those five disabilities, the case will be reviewed again by Disability Determination Services at the end of a year, or for a lung transplant, at the conclusion of three years, to determine if y… The Social Security Administration recognizes hundreds of different illnesses and conditions that qualify an American to receive Social Security Disability. If your disability is listed in Social Security's Listing of Impairments, the first step is to get a diagnosis of the condition from your doctor. To qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits a medical condition most severely hamper your ability to work. Musculoskeletal problems, such as back conditions and other dysfunctions of the joints and bones, Senses and speech issues, such as vision and hearing loss, Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, Cardiovascular conditions, such as chronic heart failure or coronary artery disease, Digestive tract problems, such as liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy, Blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease or hemophilia, Mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism, or intellectual disability, Immune system disorders, such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney disease. These conditions include, but are not limited to, the following: back injuries, heart disease, asthma, hearing and vision loss, mental disorders, and … The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program maintains the most extensive list of medical conditions that can qualify as long-term disabilities. Based on your residual functional capacity, a disability claims examiner will determine your exertional level. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Musculoskeletal System. Find an experienced SSDI attorney near you today. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. In addition the SSA medical conditions that automatically qualify you for social security disability include: Acute leukemia, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Call Us At : 866-977-1075. Individuals who had medical conditions have difficulty in performing important daily tasks. Digestive disorders, such as Crohn's Disease, and Hepatitis. Home; About . Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select, Please enter a legal issue and/or a location. These… If you've been seeing a doctor regularly, have a conversation with your doctor about your limitations (such as not being able to lift 30 pounds or stand for three hours), and whether the doctor thinks they rule out full-time work for you. conditions, however, like ALS, an organ transplant, or certain serious cancers, such as esophageal cancer, mucosal melanoma, anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid gland, or small-cell carcinoma (of the prostate, ovaries, breast, lungs, pleura, intestines, or bladder). A medically determinable impairment is a medical condition that has been the subject of clinical and laboratory testing. Thus, it is essential when completing your disability application to mention all your medical conditions, including those that are minor compared to your serious problems. The RFC also includes non-exertional limitations, like the ability to climb or bend down, the use of hands, the capacity to cope with anxiety or depression, and any environmental restrictions. You must have been working for 25% of all the years after you obtained age 21. If you haven't had the clinical or laboratory tests required in the listing, you can ask your doctor to perform them. Conditions of the glands that secrete hormones, such as Thyroid Disorders and Obesity You can also be awarded disability benefits if Social Security considers aspects of your condition medically equivalent to the criteria in the listing or a related listing. Search, medical conditions that qualify for SSDI or SSI, Disability Benefits Appeal: Notice of Representation, Sample Letter Applying for Social Security Benefits, Social Security Disability Appeals Process. You can qualify for disability benefits with conditions such as fibromyalgia, depression, bipolar disorder, multiple sclerosis, degenerative disc disease, post-traumatic … Gallbladder cancer, … Microsoft Edge. Listed Conditions for Social Security Disability Benefits. Conditions of the heart, such as High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure and Blood Clots. The social security administration … Social Security looks at your medical impairment and works history to make a determination on whether or not you meet their standards for disability. You must have hard medical evidence that shows you are unable to work and that you meet the medical criteria to be approved for benefits. Cochlear transplant 2. Some conditions automatically qualify for … The Social Security Administration uses a number of conditions listed in the blue book to determine whether someone qualifies for SSD or SSI benefits. The Social Security Administration that approves benefits for those who apply have an impairment listings manual called the blue book. To receive social security benefits, there are certain criteria that you have to meet to be eligible. Once you've had several doctors' appointments, ask if your doctor thinks your limitations are disabling and about your long-term prospects for work. Breathing conditions, such as COPD. It is intended for individuals who are either blind, disabled, or aged 65 or older and who meet certain income and resources requirements. | Last updated March 27, 2019. Learn more below. The listing requirements are often quite complex; our illness-specific articles simplify the medical criteria in the listings so that you can understand whether your condition will qualify for disability. These include epilepsy, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, lung disease and many other illnesses. What If Your Medical Condition Is Not on the List? Digestive System. JEFFREY L. DULL; JASON J. HEANY; DAVID A. PEARSON; Practice Areas. Types of Cancer That Qualify for Disability; Filing for Disability on the Basis of Cancer; Social Security Disability SSI and Breast Cancer; Mesothelioma (Cancer of the Mesothelium) Neurological Disorders. If you have questions about medical conditions and disability claims, or if you've been denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), make sure you explore your legal options. For a complete list of impairments, including detailed evaluation methods, visit www.ssa.gov. For more information, see our section on how Social Security decides if your limitations make you disabled. Only then should you apply for disability. Kidney transplant 4. Contact a qualified social security lawyer to assist in your social security disability matter. The Social Security Blue Book is a guide of impairments that the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers to be disabling enough to qualify for benefits. Stage IV breast cancer, and inflammatory breast cancer. In other words, your medical condition must be supported by clinical reports. Further, your medical records must show that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from performing your standard work-related duties. Seizure Disorder; Stroke (CVA, Cerebrovascular Accident) Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI; Special Senses. For instance, migraine headaches are not included in the blue book, but if a claimant's migraines are severe enough and are well documented, the SSA may grant disability benefits if the migraines make it impossible for the disability applicant to work a full-time job. Medical Conditions and Disability Claims: List of Impairments. Inside, it lists numerous medical conditions and impairments, both mental and physical, that will dictate whether you qualify for SSDI. There are a few medical conditions, however, that do qualify for expedited approval. Non-Medical Qualifications for SSI SSI is a need-based benefit. We recently surveyed our readers about their experiences in applying for disability benefits and compared their answers to government statistics. The Social Security Administration (SSA) relies upon medical evidence when evaluating your disability claim, which makes it important for you to know what kinds of medical tests and other records you may … Vision Loss ; Hearing Loss; Respiratory Disorders ), Alternatively, you can be eligible for disability benefits if you don't meet or equal the criteria for the blue book listing, if your condition limits your functioning so much that you can't work. Only certain totally disabling medical conditions qualify for Social Security disability. Benefits are awarded based on the severity of the condition which the claimant is suffering from. Your first step should be making sure that you have sufficient medical records for Social Security to make a decision on your claim. You may find that you can. Or you can wait for the SSA to pay for a consultative exam, but this makes your claim take longer. Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life, Name For details, see our article on survey statistics on getting Social Security disability for common medical conditions. 2/3 of all initial disability applications get denied! Knowing which Social Security disability benefits you qualify for can sometimes be complicated to sort out when you’re also struggling with a serious medical condition. This is called \"equaling a disability listing.\" (According to recent government statistics, 37% of all appr… (In a recent year, half of all approved disability applications were approved based on an assessment of applicants' limitations.). We recommend using Even if your medical condition isn't on the Listing of Impairments, you may still qualify for SSDI or SSI if certain criteria are met. The following sections contain medical criteria that apply to the evaluation of impairments in adults age 18 and over and that may apply to the evaluation of impairments in children under age 18 if the disease processes have a similar effect on adults and younger children. Do You Have Medical Conditions That Qualify for Disability Claims? To help them gain access to affordable and effective medical services, these individuals need social security disability benefits. First, the medical condition must be a medically determinable impairment. Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported. Heart transplant 5. For adults, the medical conditions that qualify for SSDI or SSI include: Musculoskeletal problems, such as back conditions and other dysfunctions of the joints and bones. Please try again. While any of the above medical conditions are SSDI and SSI qualifying disabilities, some medical conditions are more likely to lead to an approval of benefits than others. Sense and voice difficulties, such as vision impairment and hearing loss. Call For A Free Initial Consultation 573-874-2402   Toll free: 800-483-1789 (According to recent government statistics, 37% of all approved disability applications "met" a listing and only 6% "equaled" a listing. Some of those conditions include: 1. All rights reserved. Visit our professional site », Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors The list updated in 2020 includes disabilities like-: Autoimmune Disorders like Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis The SSA will consider the effect of your condition on your capacity to perform routine daily activities and work and will then determine whether there is any kind of job you can safely be expected to do. As mentioned above, you need to have medical records that support your claim, including your diagnoses, your limitations, your test results, and your treatment plans. Medical Eligibility for Disability Benefits, Getting Disability Benefits for a Listed Impairment, kidney disease and genitourinary problems, Medical Conditions, Impairments, and Problems, how Social Security decides if your limitations make you disabled, survey statistics on getting Social Security disability for common medical conditions, call the Social Security office at 800-772-1213 for an appointment to apply, or. An individual filing for Social Security disability benefits does not necessarily have to satisfy the exact listing requirements for a particular illness or condition to be awarded disability benefits based on the condition. Most Americans get a paying job to sustain themselves and their families, but for some, medical conditions make this extremely difficult, or even impossible. If your medical condition is not on the list, you may still be eligible under other SSA guidelines. Get Professional Legal Help. Growth impairment is the only medical condition covered for children that isn't covered for adults. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. Are you a legal professional? Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and cystic … This is – in part – because the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a specific list of medical conditions that qualify as “disabilities” for the purposes of SSA determinations. A Social Security disability claimant doesn't even have to have an impairment that is listed in the Social Security disability blue book to be awarded disability benefits. The Social Security Administration manual that lists a number of physical and mental impairments that qualify for SSDI and Social Security Income (SSI). If your medical condition, or its equivalent, is on SSA's Listing of Impairments, then you're generally considered disabled and therefore eligible to receive SSA disability benefits. There are separate lists for adults and children under the age of 18. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. However, for those people that have a… Senses and speech issues, such as vision and hearing loss. An individual filing for Social Security disability benefits does not necessarily have to satisfy the exact listing requirements for a particular illness or condition (such as rheumatoid arthritis) to be awarded disability benefits based on this condition. The disability claims examiner will take your medical history, reports, and residual functional capacity into consideration to determine if your medical condition qualifies for disability benefits. That your condition is included in the listing, you may still be eligible apply for disability Claims: of. These medical conditions that qualify for SSDI and SSI include: Cardiovascular System how weight. 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