How does the Social Security Administration determine if someone qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI? They actually have a guide called the Blue Book that lists all the disabilities that they recognize. Do any conditions qualify you for disability automatically? Unfortunately, no disorder qualifies you automatically, but Tabak Law can help you find the conditions listed in the Blue Book.
List of Qualifying SSDI Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Disorders—Examples: Spinal Injuries, Amputation, Non-Healing Fractures
- Special Senses and Speech—Examples: Vision Loss, Loss of Speech, Hearing Loss
- Respiratory Disorders—Examples: Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, Respiratory Failure
- Cardiovascular System Disorders—Examples: Chronic Heart Failure, Heart Transplant, Congenital Heart Disease
- Digestive System Disorders—Examples: Chronic Lever Disease, SBS, IBD
- Genitourinary Disorders—Examples: Chronic Kidney Disease, Nephrotic Syndrome, Kidney Transplant
- Hematological Disorders—Examples: Sickle Cell Anemia, Bone Marrow Failure, Thalassemia
- Skin Disorders—Examples: Dermatitis, Bullous Disease, Ichthyosis
- Endocrine Disorders—Examples: DKA, Hypoglycemia, Thyroid Disorders
- Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems—Examples: Down Syndrome
- Neurological Disorders—Examples: Epilepsy, Benign Brain Tumors, Parkinsonian Syndrome
- Mental Disorders—Examples: Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Cancer—Examples: Lymphoma, Leukemia, Skin Cancer
- Immune System Disorders—Examples: Systemic Sclerosis, HIV, Lupus
The examples listed above are far from exhaustive and are meant to be utilized as a guide. You can consult the Blue Book directly or even some of the resources on our site to see if your specific condition qualifies. These conditions are listed in Part A of the Blue Book which refers specifically to adult listings. There are also childhood listings in Part B, and though there is some overlap there are also conditions unique to childhood.
What if Your Disability Isn’t Listed in the Blue Book?
The Social Security Association’s Blue Book does not list every disorder. Instead, there are just the disabilities that they have developed definitions and qualifications for. If you have a disability on the list, then you can review the individual qualifications for that disorder.
If your disorder isn’t listed in the Blue Book, then you can still apply. You’ll have to prove that you have a medically determinable impairment. In other words, the severity of your disorder must prevent your ability to work or perform your daily activities.
Can You Qualify For SSDI With Multiple Disorders
Social Security Disability Insurance is inherently complicated, and it’s because the human body and the conditions it can face and suffer are also inherently complicated. For this reason, the Blue Book not only doesn’t list everything, but the SSA also knows that qualifications for individual disorders don’t paint the whole picture of what can be inhibiting a person’s ability to work and function.
This means that you may have two disorders that don’t meet the qualification standards set forward by the Blue Book, but the combination of the two disorders at the same time is enough to qualify.
How to Prove Your Disability to the Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration isn’t going to just believe you when it comes to your disabilities and impairments. As with any other government program, there needs to be a paper trail, and that means evidence. In your case, this should be medical evidence. You can consult with your doctor to ensure that you have copies of all your medical records. The SSA will request them anyway, but it’s a good idea to have them on hand yourself too.
A few things to note here, even if your disorder currently prevents you from working, that is not the only criteria that SSA considers. The SSA must also expect your condition to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. If you had two broken legs and two broken arms, you probably couldn’t work, but unless there was an additional condition that would prevent you from healing within 12 months, the SSA is going to deny your case.
How Can a Lawyer Help You Qualify for SSDI
First, you must remember that qualifying for SSDI can be a long road. Most will be denied twice before getting approval, and a lawyer can significantly increase your odds of approval. A qualified and experienced law office like Tabak Law in Milwaukee can help.
Read More: Can You Reapply for SSDI After Being Denied?
We can correspond with the SSA on your behalf, assess your medical records, fill out paperwork, and be with you during interviews and hearings. Contact Tabak Law with any questions to help you through this process. You can reach us anytime, 24 hours a day, at 844-432-0114.
Nothing posted on this website is intended, nor should be construed, as legal advice. Blog postings and site content are available for general education purposes only.