What qualifies for social security disability benefits

There are no conditions that automatically qualify you for disability benefits. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA)‘s “Blue Book” lists conditions it will consider for review for people applying for disability benefits. Among them are:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., bone, joint injuries, skeletal spine injuries)
• Special senses and speech (e.g., visual disorders, blindness)
• Respiratory disorders (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma)
• Cardiovascular system disorders (e.g., chronic heart failure)
• Digestive system disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, liver dysfunction)
• Genitourinary disorders (illnesses involving the urinary and genital organs)
• Hematological disorders (illnesses of the blood, blood-forming organs)
• Skin disorders (e.g., dermatitis, burns, chronic skin infections)
• Endocrine disorders (e.g., pituitary gland disorders, thyroid gland disorders)
• Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
• Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, benign brain tumors)
• Mental disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression)
• Cancer (malignant neoplastic diseases)
• Immune system disorders (e.g., HIV infection, lupus, inflammatory arthritis)

The SSA’s Listing of Impairments – Adult Listings (Part A) contains all these conditions, which apply to adults aged 18 and older. The SSA has identified conditions in these categories to be severe because of how they limit a person’s functioning. 

If you or a loved one is living with a disability, you could be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. A Social Security Disability lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can review your case to determine if your condition(s) qualify for disability payments.

In This Article

Your Impairment Does Not Have to be on the SSA’s List

If you want to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to note that your impairment does not have to appear on the SSA’s list. Examples of such conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome and celiac disease, among others. 

However, you must present a formal diagnosis of your condition to the SSA that shows it is a “medically determinable impairment” that prevents you from functioning in full capacity. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working or performing your daily activities. This reduction in capacity is known as the “residual functional capacity.” 

If your disability meets the SSA’s requirements, it might consider it to be equivalent to a listed condition. You must obtain this diagnosis from your doctor to prove your condition, but it is only the start of the process. It does not mean you will automatically receive approval for benefits.

Listed and Unlisted Conditions Must Be Severe

Whether the SSA has or hasn’t listed your impairment, you will need more than a diagnosis to qualify for disability benefits. For listed conditions, your diagnosis and medical records must match the SSA’s requirements for that specific condition. The medical evidence you present must align with the symptoms, signs, and other criteria for that impairment. If you don’t meet all the requirements of a listed condition, you can still present your medical evidence. The SSA can review it and determine if its severity is equal to an impairment it considers severe.

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More Specific Conditions That Could Entitle You to Benefits

It is important to note that every applicant presents individual circumstances that could qualify or disqualify them for benefits. With this in mind, some of the specific conditions the SSA lists under its broader medical categories include:

• Liver disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Epilepsy
• Cerebral palsy
• Traumatic brain injury
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Connective tissue disorders
• Inflammatory arthritis
• Depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder

These are just some of the many conditions the SSA lists as potential prerequisites for receiving disability benefits through one or more federal programs. Additional context may be required to determine your eligibility and the number of benefits you could receive if you are eligible. As such, these conditions do not automatically qualify you for disability benefits.

Applying for Disability Benefits Can Be a Challenging Process

According to the SSA, many applicants for disability benefits have had their initial application denied for various reasons, including:

• Technical problems with an application
• Disqualification based on medical information

Between 2001 and 2010, the SSA approved only about 45 percent of disability claims. This suggests that applying for disability benefits is not a straightforward process for many applicants. SSDI or SSI application errors are possible, if not likely. 

You have the right to seek help from a third party to help you with applying for Social Security Disability benefits. Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can review your application, saving you time and helping you avoid errors that could delay your claim.

How Our Lawyer Could Handle Your Disability Benefits Application Process

The process of proving your disability will take time, but you don’t have to go through it by yourself. The SSA allows you to assign a representative who can:

• Correspond with the SSA on your behalf
• Access and collect your medical records for the purpose of applying for benefits
• Fill out paperwork on your behalf
• Accompany you to any interviews or hearings required to complete your application

We will Make Sure Your Disability Benefits Application is Error-Free

If you hire one of our attorneys for tasks related to your SSDI or SSI application, we will ensure your application is accurate and manage the appeals process as necessary. At our firm, we handle all aspects of your claim, from filing your claim to the appeals process, so that you can focus on your health and well-being. 

We will help you understand the SSA’s designated conditions and related medical requirements and your status regarding those. If you need further medical evaluation to establish your disability, we can advise you if that is the case.

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How a Disabling Medical Condition May Affect You and Your Family

You may face several direct and secondary challenges resulting from a medical condition, and these challenges may contribute to your eligibility for disability benefits. If you are disabled and cannot maintain steady employment–or any employment at all–then you may:

• Be in a constant state of financial strain
• Feel excessive stress stemming from your disability and the financial pressure it may impose
• Be unable to do seemingly basic life tasks without help
• Suffer mentally and emotionally because of your health condition
• Feel unable to engage in many – if not all – activities that once brought you joy
• Fall short in providing the income your family needs to survive and thrive

Consider Legal Help As You Seek Social Security Disability Benefits

Disabilities can have adverse effects on your quality of life, as well as the quality of life of those who depend on you. Health conditions do not take your character into account, and you could be in a difficult position through no fault of your own. You may be able to ease your financial burden with assistance from various benefits programs. You can reach out to our Social Security Disability attorney, who can guide you through the benefits process.

Additional Information That May Impact Your Benefits Eligibility

The SSA outlines some of the requirements to apply for benefits under SSDI and SSI. They include:

• Having a condition that has prevented you from working for at least one year
• Being at least 18 years of age

Beyond these basic requirements, the SSA will request several types of information as part of your application. Your answers to these questions and your ability to provide various forms of documentation may directly impact your eligibility for benefits. Some questions on the Checklist for Online Adult Disability Application may ask about:

• The age you were at the time that you became disabled
• How many years you participated in the workforce before becoming disabled
• The nature and severity of the medical condition that causes you to be disabled
• Your marital status
• Whether you have any dependents
• Whether you can complete any type of work to earn an income
• Your education and work history

Your ability (or inability) to provide thorough documentation about the nature of your medical condition and the date of the condition’s onset is essential in determining your eligibility for benefits through SSDI and SSI.

How We Have Helped Our Clients Obtain Their Disability Benefits

At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we are relentless when it comes to getting our clients what they need and deserve. Here are a few examples of what our Social Security Disability clients have to say about our work and dedication:

“Andrea stuck with me to the end. I could always get through to her. Her staff was great and would always get right back with me. I wasn’t just ‘a file in a cabinet’ and I was treated as if I was the only client.” – Lavonda

“Andrea Farmer was very professional and was very instrumental in helping me get my social security disability and helping me draw up my power of attorney and will. I would strongly recommend her for any legal issues I would have.” – Douglas

“Andrea’s service was excellent. She jumped on it immediately and didn’t hesitate. She updated me on everything, explained everything to me and went over it several times. She did a wonderful, wonderful job. If anyone ever needs an attorney, she is the best! Rated #1!” – Richard

Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, Today for Disability Benefits Help

SSDI or SSI benefits may be vital to you and your family. We pride ourselves on helping those in need. We will assist you in the benefits application process if you wish us to do so. Remember, no conditions in and of themselves automatically qualify you for disability benefits.

Call our team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today at (828) 286-3866 to learn more about how we may be able to assist you as you pursue disability benefits.

Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Case Evaluation form