If you’re wondering what ailments qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, look no further than the Social Security Administration Blue Book. The Blue Book lists all physical and mental impairments that will automatically qualify an individual for Social Security Disability benefits.
If you have an impairment and are wondering if it qualifies, you can contact one of our disability experts so that we can assist you and guide you in filing your disability claim.
What Are The Listed Medical Conditions?
As of 2019, the Blue Book includes:
- Musculoskeletal System – such as back injuries.
- Special Senses and Speech – such as vision and hearing loss.
- Respiratory Disorders – such as COPD or asthma.
- Cardiovascular System – such as heart failure or coronary artery disease.
- Digestive System – such as liver disease or IBD.
- Genitourinary Disorders – such as Kidney Disease.
- Hematological Disorders – such as hemolytic anemias and bone marrow failure.
- Skin Disorders – such as dermatitis.
- Endocrine Disorders – such as chronic anemia and sickle cell disease.
- Congenital Disorders that affect multiple body systems.
- Neurological Disorders – such as MS, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, or epilepsy.
- Mental Disorders – such as depression, anxiety, autism, or intellectual disorder.
- Cancer (malignant neoplastic diseases).
- Immune System Disorders – such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
What Medical Evidence Do You Need To Show?
Medical evidence that you may include to prove your ailment includes:
- Physician examinations
- Treatment notes or reports
- MRIs
- CT or CAT scans
- X-rays
- Mental health records
- Blood work panels
The medical evidence must be recent and must be from the time period of when you became disabled to the present time. Your medical records must show that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from performing your standard work-related duties.
How Do You Get Disability?
– If you have a listed medical condition, the first thing you must do is get diagnosed by your doctor.
A mere diagnosis will get you an automatic disability approval for only a few conditions like ALS, organ transplant, esophageal cancer mucosal melanoma, anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid gland, or small cell carcinoma (of the prostate, ovaries, breast, lungs, pleura, intestines, or bladder).
– The next step is to determine if your medical condition meets the specific criteria for that condition. Here are some examples:
- COPD – FEV 1 of 1.75 or lower for an adult male who is 5’10”.
- Coronary artery disease – 50% or more narrowing of the left main coronary artery.
- Congestive heart failure – ejection fraction of 30% or less (during a period of stability).
- Nephrotic syndrome – proteinuria of 10.0g or greater per 24 hours on two different occasions 90 days apart.
- Hepatorenal syndrome – serum creatinine elevation of at least 2 mg/dL.
- Blindness – central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye (with correction).
- Hearing loss: average hearing threshold sensitivity for air conduction 90 decibels or worse in the better ear.
- HIV infection – absolute CD4 count of 50 cells/mm3 or less.
- Weight loss due to digestive disorder: a BMI of 17.5 or less on two different occasions 60 days apart.
You don’t have to have an impairment that is listed. Depending on your disability and the severity, SSA may grant you disability benefits if the ailment makes it impossible to work a full-time job.
Get Help With Your Disability Claim
We can assist you in filing your claim and answer any questions you may have about what ailments qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Or, complete this quick evaluation on our website to see if you qualify.