Eligibility for a Social Security Disability Claim

To qualify for a disability claim from the Social Security Administration, the injury or impairment you suffer from must fall into one or more of their recognized categories. The listing manual from the Social Security Administration which is colloquially called the “Blue Book”, lists all of the physical and mental impairments that will qualify an individual for disability benefits. The benefits either come from Social Security itself (SSDI) or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) depending on the condition itself.

Qualified Conditions

What follows is a list of qualified medical conditions that will result in being eligible for a disability claim from Social Security.

Cardiovascular: Includes coronary artery disease and heart failure
Musculoskeletal: Includes back injuries
Respiratory: Includes asthma or COPD
Mental: Includes depression, anxiety, autism, schizophrenia, and retardation
Immune System: Includes HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus
Speech and Senses: Includes speech, hearing, and vision
Skin: Includes dermatitis
Digestive: Includes IBD and liver disease
Kidney Disease
Cancer
Hematological: Includes bone marrow failure and hemolytic anemias
Various: Includes Marfan’s and Sjogren’s Syndrome

It should be noted that under the headings of each condition there may be a number of specific illnesses that are included. It will depend on the exact diagnosis of the condition itself and whether it falls under one or more of the listed categories. This makes clear the need for an Avvo-rated, take-no-prisoners attorney. This makes clear the need for Fred Fleming.

Does the Medical Condition Have to Be Listed?

The answer is no. The exact condition does not have to be listed in order to qualify for a disability benefit. For example, the condition does not have to be rheumatoid arthritis, but it does have to fall within the general category of diseases of the immune system in order to qualify. So, if your condition is deemed to fall under the listed categories, then you may become eligible and receive disability benefits from Social Security.

Your condition may also be listed as the medical equivalent to one or more of the categories present as well. This means that it is “equaling a disability listing”. This will depend on the exact diagnosis and determination by administrators in Social Security. Another qualifier is if your medical condition limits your ability to function or work, yet is not listed under the categories. If that can be determined, then you are eligible for benefits as well.

Is the Blue Book Listing Necessary for Qualification?

No, it is not necessary, although it is helpful. This is because there are new conditions and ailments that are being discovered which may or may not fall into an established category. For example, migraine headaches are not listed, but if the effect is deemed serious enough to be debilitating, then you may become eligible on that basis.

The key factor is whether the condition itself represents some type of impairment that is determined medically. It must reduce your ability to work or qualify you for a medical vocational allowance. If that can be determined, then you are eligible for a Social Security Disability claim.