What Medical Conditions Qualify for SSDI Benefits?
If you have recently been diagnosed with a disorder or medical condition that has left you unable to work, you might want to consider applying for Social Security benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), provides monthly benefits to people who have paid enough into the system through payroll taxes and have a qualifying disorder or medical condition.
But what medical conditions qualify for SSDI? Find out below.
The 14 Categories Under the Blue Book
Hundreds of qualifying medical impairments are listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, commonly called the “Blue Book.” However, these conditions are grouped into 14 broad categories. If your condition meets the criteria outlined in one of these categories, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. Here is a breakdown of the categories;
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
These conditions affect bones, joints, muscles, and related tissues. Examples include;
- Amputations
- Non-healing fractures
- Joint disorders
- Spine disorders
- Cardiovascular System
These are disorders that affect the proper functioning of the heart or circulatory system, such as;
- Chronic heart failure
- Recurrent arrhythmias
- Ischemic heart disease
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Special Senses and Speech
This category covers disorders related to vision, speech, and hearing. Qualifying conditions include;
- Loss of visual efficiency
- Loss of speech
- Disturbance of labyrinthine-vestibular function
- Hearing loss not corrected by hearing aids
- Respiratory Disorders
These are conditions that affect lung function. They include;
- Asthma
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Bronchiectasis
- Digestive Disorders
Disorders that cause severe dysfunction of the liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. Examples include;
- Chronic liver disease (CLD)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhaging
- Skin Disorders
A skin disease may qualify regardless of whether it results from congenital, hereditary, or acquired pathological processes. Qualifying skin conditions include;
- Burns
- Chronic conditions of the skin or mucous membranes
- Genetic photosensitivity disorders
- Genitourinary Disorders
These involve disorders that result in chronic kidney disease. Examples include;
- Chronic glomerulonephritis
- Chronic obstructive uropathy
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Endocrine Disorders
This category includes conditions that lead to hormone imbalance. Most of these disorders cause impairments to other body systems, such as the digestive, cardiovascular, and neurological systems.
- Hematological Disorders
These conditions affect the blood. They may include;
- Sickle cell anemia
- Bone marrow failure
- Hemophilia
- Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders can affect mental and physical function. Examples of neurological disorders covered by the SSA include;
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal cord disorders
- Parkinsonian syndrome
- Post-polio syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Congenital Disorders That Affect Multiple Body Systems
These are rare genetic disorders that affect several body functions, such as non-mosaic Down syndrome.
- Mental Disorders
These are only considered if they significantly limit cognitive, social, or emotional functioning. Examples include;
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorders
- Immune System Disorders
These are conditions that cause dysfunction in one or more components of the immune system. They include;
- Systemic sclerosis
- Inflammatory arthritis
- HIV infection
- Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
This category covers all cancers (malignant neoplastic diseases) except some cancers associated with HIV infection.
Note: A diagnosis in one of these areas does not automatically qualify you for SSDI benefits.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Our London and Southeast Kentucky social security disability attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm can help you recover the benefits you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm
