What Conditions Automatically Qualify You for Disability?

While no conditions automatically qualify individuals for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a “Blue Book listing” of conditions they will consider for disability benefits review. These conditions encompass a range of medical categories, including musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory disorders, mental disorders, cancer, and more.

Some conditions are more likely to result in approval based on their severity. However, 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.

Consulting with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can help you understand your eligibility and increase your chances of a successful SSDI claim.

Which Conditions Are More Likely To Qualify Someone for Disability?

Approval for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits depends on several factors, including the severity of your condition, the supporting medical evidence, and how well your condition aligns with the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability criteria.

While no specific condition is guaranteed to result in approval, certain medical conditions are more likely to meet the SSA’s stringent disability standards.

These conditions include the following:

• Severe neurological disorders: Conditions like ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and severe epilepsy are more likely to meet the SSA’s disability criteria due to their significant impact on motor and cognitive functions.
• Advanced-stage cancers: Some advanced-stage cancers, especially metastatic or inoperable ones, may qualify under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program for expedited approval.
• Severe respiratory disorders: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe asthma, and other chronic respiratory conditions that significantly impair breathing and daily activities are more likely to meet the criteria. 
• Severe cardiovascular conditions: Chronic heart failure, severe coronary artery disease, and other cardiac conditions severely limiting physical exertion will likely qualify you for disability.
• Severe musculoskeletal disorders: Conditions like severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and spinal disorders can result in significant functional limitations, making you more likely to be deemed disabled.
• Severe mental health conditions: Severe cases of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and other mental health conditions can substantially interfere with daily functioning and will likely qualify you for disability benefits.
• Immune system disorders: Conditions like HIV and AIDS, lupus, and inflammatory arthritis weaken the immune system and lead to significant impairments, increasing your chances of expedited approval.
• Severe endocrine disorders: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe complications, thyroid disorders, and other hormonal imbalances that cause severe limitations that may be conducive to expedited approval.

It’s important to remember that while certain conditions may make you more likely to get approved for SSDI, each case is unique. The severity and impact of your condition, the quality of your medical evidence, and how well you meet the SSA’s criteria play a crucial role in the approval process. 

Also, even “expedited approval” can take a long time, which is something we have no control over.

What Is the Social Security Administration’s Definition of a Disability?

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 your condition’s severity equals a severe impairment.

The SSA only deems you disabled if your injury or medical condition is expected to keep you from working for 12 months or longer. If you or a loved one is living with a qualifying disability, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits.

A qualifying disability can be a mental condition, a physical condition, or a combination of both. A disability attorney can help determine your eligibility and build a compelling case on your behalf. When you need help with the application or appeals process, our attorneys are here to help.

What If my Condition is Not on the SSA’s List?

Even if your condition does not appear on the SSA’s listing of impairments, you can still be eligible if you demonstrate a “medically determinable impairment” that significantly limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. This requires presenting a formal diagnosis and medical evidence proving your condition’s severity, known as “residual functional capacity.”

Whether your condition is listed or unlisted, meeting the SSA’s criteria for severe impairment is essential. For the listed conditions, your medical evidence must align with the specific requirements for that condition. 

If you don’t meet all the criteria for a listed condition, your medical evidence will still be reviewed to determine if your impairment’s severity qualifies for disability benefits.

If you need guidance on your disability claim, the experienced attorneys at Pilzer Klein can review your case and help determine if your condition qualifies for disability payments. Don’t hesitate to seek support to navigate the process and secure the benefits you deserve.

What Are the SSA’s Medical Condition Requirements?

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must be disabled and have a qualifying medical condition.

The medical conditions that make you eligible for social security benefits are often life-threatening and significantly impact your life.

Potentially disabling conditions include the following categories:

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Respiratory disorders
• Special senses and speech disorders
• Digestive system disorders
• Cardiovascular system issues
• Genitourinary diseases
• Skin disorders
• Blood disorders
• Endocrine disorders
• Congenital disorders affecting multiple body systems
• Immune system disorders
• Mental disorders
• Neurological disorders
• Cancer

The conditions on this list are broad, with multiple disorders falling within each category. Not only that, but the SSA frequently revises its lists. A qualified disability lawyer can review your case for free and tell you whether your condition qualifies.

Contact a Social Security Disability Attorney

If you or a loved one is dealing with a severe medical condition that has left you unable to work, Pilzer Klein is here to help. Our Social Security Disability attorneys have extensive experience handling a wide range of disability claims, and disability cases are all our law firm handles.

Your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to advocating for your rights and securing the financial support you deserve during this challenging time. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through obtaining the disability benefits you need.