Often times we associate social security disability benefits with workplace injuries and other types of debilitating injuries such as brain injuries, spinal chord injuries and paralysis. These types of physical impairments leave no question as to an individual’s inability to work. But this merely scratches the surface of the long list of conditions that may qualify you for SSD benefits. If you are suffering from an illness or other physical condition that may impact your ability to become gainfully employed it is possible that you could qualify for SSD benefits. So how do you know if your condition qualifies?
The Social Security Administration has put together a comprehensive list of conditions that may be considered severe enough to qualify for SSD benefits through the application process. The impairment listings are found in a manual often referred to as the “Blue Book.” This is the manual used by the Disability Determination Services in each state to help determine if an individual is qualified to received SSD benefits.
The Blue Book manual breaks down the lists of potentially qualifying conditions by regions of the body, such as cardiovascular system, digestive system, respiratory system, immune system disorders, neurological problems, and many more. Although it may not be exhaustive, each system then contains details about the lists of potential conditions that may be severe enough to qualify. For instance, in the cardiovascular system conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure and blood clots may qualify. In the endocrine system thyroid disorders and obesity may be significant enough to qualify.
In addition to the conditions listed in the manual, individuals suffering from extremely severe medical conditions may qualify for expedited consideration of their claims under the more then 200 conditions detailed in the Compassionate Allowance listings.
As always, even if you find your condition to be one of the potentially qualifying conditions detailed in the Blue Book, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney to help you file your SSD claim and increase your chances of success.
Source: Disability-Benefits-Help.org, Disabling Conditions, accessed Feb. 6, 2018.
