Social Security Disability Benefits (SSD) are intended to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, which provides benefits to those who have paid into the Social Security system through their employment. To qualify for disability benefits, an individual must meet certain medical criteria established by the SSA.
There are many medical conditions and disabilities that can qualify an individual for disability benefits. Some of the most common conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, heart disease, digestive disorders, respiratory illnesses, mental disorders, and cancer. These conditions must meet the medical criteria established by the SSA, which includes evidence of the severity of the condition and the impact it has on an individual’s ability to work.
To qualify for disability benefits, an individual must provide medical records to establish that their condition impacts their ability to work. The SSA may require individuals to undergo medical examinations to confirm the diagnosis and severity of their condition. In addition to medical criteria, the SSA also considers an individual’s work history, age, and level of education in determining their eligibility for benefits.
According to the SSA, the following medical conditions and disorders may qualify for social security benefits.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Disorders of the spine resulting in compromise of a nerve root(s)
- Spinal osteoarthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet arthritis
- Vertebral fractures or dislocation
- Lumbar spinal stenosis resulting in compromise of the cauda equina
- Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint
- Abnormality of a major joint(s) in any extremity
- Pathologic fractures
- Amputation
- Soft tissue injury or abnormality under continuing surgical management
- Non-healing or complex fracture of the femur, tibia, pelvis, or one or more of the talocrural bones
- Non-healing or complex fracture of an upper extremity
Special Senses and Speech
- Loss of central visual acuity (blindness)
- Contraction of the visual fields in the better eye
- Loss of vision
- Disturbance of labyrinthine-vestibular function
- Loss of speech
- Hearing loss
Respiratory Disorders
- Chronic respiratory disorders
- Asthma
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Bronchiectasis
- Chronic pulmonary hypertension
- Lung transplant
- Respiratory failure
Cardiovascular System Disorders
- Chronic heart failure
- Ischemic heart disease
- Recurrent arrhythmias
- Symptomatic congenital heart disease
- Congenital heart defect
- Heart transplant
- Aneurysm of aorta or major branches
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Hypertension
Digestive System Disorders
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhaging requiring blood transfusion
- Chronic liver disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Short bowel syndrome (SBS)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Weight loss due to any digestive disorder
- Liver transplant
Genitourinary Disorders
- Chronic kidney disease
- With chronic hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
- With kidney transplant
- With impairment of kidney function
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Complications of chronic kidney disease
Hematological Disorders
- Hemolytic anemias, including sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and their variants
- Disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis
- Disorders of bone marrow failure
- Hematological disorders treated by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation
- Related complications of hematological disorders
Skin Disorders
- Ichthyosis
- Bullous disease
- Chronic infections of the skin or mucous membranes
- Dermatitis
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa
- Genetic photosensitivity disorders
- Burns
Endocrine Disorders
- Pituitary gland disorders
- Thyroid gland disorders
- Parathyroid gland disorders
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Diabetes mellitus and other pancreatic gland disorders
- Hyperglycemia
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Chronic hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia
Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems
- Non-mosaic down syndrome
- Tay-Sachs disease
- Trisomy X syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Caudal regression syndrome
- Fetal alcohol syndrome
Neurological Disorders
- Epilepsy
- Vascular insult to the brain
- Benign brain tumors
- Parkinsonian syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal cord disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Post-polio syndrome
- Myasthenia gravis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Huntington’s disease
- Friedreich’s ataxia
- Spinocerebellar degeneration
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Coma or persistent vegetative state
- Other motor neuron disorders
Mental Disorders
- Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
- Depressive, bipolar, and related disorders
- Intellectual disorder
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Somatic symptom
- Personality and impulse-control disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Eating disorders
- Mood disorders
- Trauma and stressor-related disorders (PTSD)
Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
- Soft tissue cancers of the head and neck
- Skin cancer
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Testicular cancer
Immune System Disorders
- Lupus
- Systemic vasculitis
- Systemic sclerosis
- Polymyositis and dermatomyositis
- Connective tissue disease
- HIV infection
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjögren’s syndrome
To see the complete list of qualifying impairments and their required medical criteria covered under SSD, visit the SSA Blue Book here.
Why You Need a Lawyer When Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a complex and lengthy process, which is why it’s important to have a social security disability lawyer on your side. A disability lawyer can help ensure that your disability claim is properly prepared and submitted and that you have the best chance of qualifying for SSDI benefits.
One of the primary reasons you need a disability lawyer when applying for SSDI benefits is to help gather and present the necessary medical records to prove you are disabled due to your medical condition.
A disability lawyer can also help you navigate the complicated SSD application process and ensure that your application is complete and accurate. They can assist with filling out the necessary forms and make sure that all required medical evidence is included in your application.
In addition, if your claim is denied, a social security disability attorney can provide legal representation during the appeals process. They can help you understand your legal rights and options, and work to build a strong case to support your claim.
Call Attorney Mark L. Newman for Help With Your SSD Claim Today
By working with an Ohio social security disability lawyer like Mark L. Newman, you can increase your chances of qualifying for SSDI benefits and receiving the financial support you need. If you have questions about applying for SSD or need help filing an appeal, call our law offices at (513) 533-2009 today.
