Qualifying Medical Conditions For Disability Benefits
- Midwest Disability Specialists
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 9
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program that helps people who can’t work because of a disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs this program, which provides financial support every month to those who qualify. To be eligible, you must have worked and paid into the Social Security system long enough to earn a specific number of credits. You must also have a qualifying medical condition that meets the SSA’s strict definition of a disability.
Qualifying Conditions for Disability from the SSA’s Listing of Impairments
The SSA maintains a comprehensive listing of impairments (also known as the “Blue Book”) outlining different health problems that are severe enough to prevent someone from working. If your health issue matches one in the Blue Book, you might qualify for SSDI. The Blue Book divides these health issues into 14 main categories. Here’s a look at each category and the kinds of conditions it includes:
Musculoskeletal System Disorders: This category includes problems with your bones, joints, and muscles. Examples are severe back injuries and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis that make it hard to move.
Special Senses and Speech Disorders: This category focuses on conditions that affect your sight, hearing, and speaking ability. This includes blindness, hearing loss that can’t be fixed with hearing aids, and speech issues that therapy can’t improve.
Respiratory Disorders: This section covers diseases that make it hard to breathe, like severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis.
Cardiovascular Disorders: These are conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. This includes chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, and conditions that require a pacemaker.
Digestive System Disorders: Diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, and other organs involved in digestion fall into this category. Examples include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Genitourinary Disorders: This category deals with problems in the urinary and reproductive organs, such as chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis.
Hematological Disorders: Disorders of the blood and blood-forming organs are included here, like hemophilia, sickle cell disease, and bone marrow failure.
Skin Disorders: Conditions that affect the skin, such as severe dermatitis, burns, and certain chronic skin infections, are covered in this category.
Endocrine Disorders: This category includes conditions related to the glands that produce hormones, like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and adrenal gland disorders.
Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems: This includes conditions you’re born with that impact many parts of the body, such as Down syndrome.
Neurological Disorders: Conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system are in this category. This includes epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
Mental Disorders: This category covers mental health issues that affect your thinking, mood, and behavior. Examples are depression, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder.
Cancers (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases): This category includes all types of cancer.
Immune System Disorders: This category is for conditions that affect the immune system, like HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
Non-Listed Conditions That Could Qualify
Many people have health issues that don’t exactly match the conditions in the Blue Book but still prevent them from working. The good news is that you can still apply for SSDI benefits if you have a non-listed disabling condition. The SSA will examine your medical records, doctors’ reports, and information about how your condition limits your ability to work to determine whether you are eligible for benefits. So, if your condition is severe but not listed, you still have a chance to get financial support from SSDI.
Contact a Social Security Disability Representative Now
Are you wondering whether your condition qualifies you for SSDI benefits? Midwest Disability Specialists here to help. Contact us today for a free evaluation and we'll connect you with a leading attorney that specializes In disability. We understand how challenging the SSDI application process can be, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team is ready to look carefully at your situation and help you determine whether you can receive SSDI benefits.
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