Find the Disability Criteria for your Medical Condition

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is a government program that provides financial assistance to people who cannot work because of their medical conditions.

If you have been injured or become sick and can no longer work, then applying for SSDI benefits could be the solution to your financial problems. However, it can be hard to know if you qualify for this benefit since the social security administration covers many different medical conditions.

The Social Security Administration publishes an official list of all approved disabilities called Medical Conditions Listing of Impairments (also known as Blue Book). This document contains detailed information about every condition that qualifies someone for SSDI benefits, including symptoms, causes, and treatments. Our Social Security Disability Attorneys can help guide you through the application process.

Timeframe of Disability

Here are the criteria that your doctor should ask you about, and it’s helpful to be prepared with information when you go in for your appointment!

The Social Security Administration requires that you have an illness or injury that has lasted or is expected to last for at least twelve months, referred to as "an ongoing duration." The disability examiner will want information about your medical condition and how it impacts your ability to perform daily activities.

Medical Conditions

Many medical conditions may qualify for SSDI. How do you know if you may be eligible? The best way is to partner with an attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability. When applying for Social Security Disability, your doctor will often refer to "the Listing of Impairments." There are over 100 medical conditions that will qualify you for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Categories of Impairments

Part A of the Impairment listings includes impairments only for adults age 18 and over. Part B is an impairment listing for persons under the age of 18. For purposes of this discussion, we focus on Part A.

The Social Security categories of impairments for disability in Part A include the following:

Musculoskeletal disorders

Special senses and speech

Respiratory disorders

Cardiovascular system

Digestive system

Genitourinary disorders

Hematological disorders

Skin disorders

Endocrine disorders

Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems

Neurological disorders

Mental disorders

Cancer

Immune system disorders

What Is A Medical Impairment For SSDI?

An impairment that is medically determined to be physical or mental in nature is one that is caused by anatomical, physiological or psychological abnormalities. These abnormalities can be demonstrated using medically acceptable laboratory and clinical diagnostic methods. A person must provide medical evidence to prove that they have a mental or physical impairment. Simply stating the symptoms does not suffice.

Medical Documentation

Your doctor will want to take detailed information about your medical condition and its impact on the daily activities you can perform. If Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is part of your health care plan, they will need specific information about how you meet their disability criteria.

To prove a disability for SSDI, you must show that your medical condition is expected to last 12 months or end in death. Your doctor will assess the severity of the conditions and how it impacts your ability to work.

If you are considering applying for disability benefits, it can be helpful to know what your doctor will need to do to support your claim. In addition to taking detailed information about how the illness impacts your daily life, they will also have to submit their findings in a way that meets Social Security’s requirements.

Consult With A Social Security Lawyer

Although it can be helpful to understand the criteria Social Security uses when processing disability claims, it is also essential to understand that meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval for benefits. Several factors impact whether or not a claim is approved and how fast the process takes, and partnering with a social security attorney can help you navigate this process.

Don’t delay in consulting with a social security lawyer immediately. The window of opportunity to file for disability benefits is limited. You can speed up the time for getting approved, and for receiving your first benefits payment. A social security lawyer can double your chances of getting approved, and may potentially increase the amount of the benefits you receive. Social security lawyers are compensated by the SSA, not the applicant. Take advantage of this assistance and find a social security disability attorney near you today.