What Does It Mean To Qualify for Social Security Disability?
When you have a disability and are unable to work, life can be daunting. Coping with a disability is already draining and when financial struggles arise, it can leave you feeling powerless. Fortunately, people with severe mental or physical impairments can receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
There are many types of physical disabilities that are eligible for benefits. However, a claimant must meet certain criteria before they can receive SSD. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers a medical condition a “qualifying” impairment if the following are true:
- Your disability prevents you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and interferes with basic work activities
- Your disability has lasted 12 months or is expected to last at least 12 months (or result in death)
- Your disability meets an impairment listing found in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book
There are several steps that go into applying for disability. Proving that you are entitled to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) involves gathering evidence for the SSA. This can include compiling medical records, work history (if applicable), undergoing physical exams, etc.
Knowing what documentation to provide is half the battle of filing a successful claim. Unfortunately, gathering medical records and other information can be hard. It’s also important to know how the SSA will reference the Blue Book when looking at your claim.
What Are Blue Book Listings for Disability?
The Blue Book, or Listing of Impairments, is the baseline for determining what claims qualify for Social Security Disability. There is one for adult disabilities and another for childhood disabilities. They include characteristics of physical impairments, symptoms, and medical criteria a claimant must meet to receive benefits.
Types of Physical Impairments in the Blue Book
The Blue Book consists of both mental and physical impairments. The body system categories for physical disabilities include:
- Musculoskeletal
- Special Senses and Speech
- Respiratory
- Cardiovascular
- Digestive
- Genitourinary
- Hematological
- Skin Disorders
- Endocrine Disorders
- Congenital Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems
- Neurological
- Cancer
- Immune System
Medical criteria for listed conditions are the same for both SSI and SSDI applicants. However, disabilities have slightly different qualifying criteria under the childhood Listing of Impairments (which also contains the additional category of Low Birth Weight and Failure to Thrive).
What If My Condition Isn’t On the Disabilities List of Physical Impairments?
It should be noted that not all qualifying disabilities are listed in the Blue Book. Just because your condition isn’t listed doesn’t mean the SSA will deny your claim. A skilled disability attorney can help you prove to the SSA that your condition qualifies for benefits.
The SSA recognizes that the Blue Book can’t cover every possible disabling condition. What matters most is how your condition affects your ability to work.
To qualify with an unlisted condition, you’ll need to prove that:
- Your condition is medically equivalent to an impairment listing in severity (“equaling a listing”), OR
- Your condition significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities despite not meeting or equaling a listing
The SSA will evaluate your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to find out what you’re still able to do despite your limitations. They’ll consider factors like:
- How long you can sit, stand, or walk
- Your ability to lift and carry items
- Limitations concerning mental function (such as understanding and following instructions)
- How your condition affects your daily activities
At Ortega Disability Group, we have extensive experience helping clients with listed and unlisted conditions secure benefits. We know how to document your condition effectively and demonstrate its impact on your ability to work. We can help you build a strong case that focuses on your specific limitations rather than just diagnostic criteria.
Compassionate Allowances
Certain disabilities automatically qualify for benefits through the Compassionate Allowances program. This includes conditions like adult onset Huntington disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and rare forms of cancer.
Filing for Disability Benefits
Filing a disability claim involves proving to the Social Security Administration that your medical condition prevents you from working. The SSA will work to understand and determine the severity of your condition when they review your claim. They will look at things like how your disability affects your mobility, daily activities, and side effects of treatment.
Hiring a disability attorney can significantly increase your chances of claim approval. This is because an experienced lawyer will fully understand the Blue Book requirements for your claim. They will also know what documentation to provide the SSA and how to highlight the impact your condition has on your daily life.
If you’re wondering if you qualify for disability benefits, then contact our legal team at Ortega Disability Group today. We can answer your questions and explain all your options.
Contact Our Disability Attorney
If you’re struggling to find a lawyer to walk you through filing for disability, look no further than Ortega Disability Group. Our experienced legal team is here to help you get the benefits you deserve. We have handled thousands of different types of disability claims, from physical and mental disorders to complicated conditions that affect multiple body systems.
Contact us now to schedule a free consultation. We handle cases in Oakland, Alameda, Orange, CA, and the surrounding areas.
