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What Impairments Qualify for SSD or SSI?

There are a number of ways to qualify for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits. One way is to meet or equal one of the physical or mental impairments that is included in Social Security Administration’s Blue Book of Impairments. If someone has the impairment listed and meets the criteria included in it, he or she is presumptively disabled. However, a claimant does not have to have one of these impairments to qualify for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits.

Blue Book listings

Impairments that are included in the Blue Book and that may qualify claimants for disability benefits include:

  • Musculoskeletal conditions – Conditions like back injuries, amputations, clubfoot, fibromyalgia, fractures and herniated discs may qualify a claimant for disability.
  • Cardiovascular problems – These include problems like congestive heart failure, artery disease, blood clots, coronary artery disease, hypertension, mitral valve prolapse and hypertension.
  • Respiratory illnesses – Breathing problems like asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, COPD, emphysema and tuberculosis may qualify a claimant if severe enough.
  • Digestive tract problems – Liver disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Crohn’s disease, colon cancer, GERD, hepatitis and ulcers fall under this category.
  • Hematological disorders – Disorders of bone marrow failure, hemolytic anemias, chronic liver disease, sickle cell disease and multiple myeloma are included under this heading.
  • Genitourinary impairments – These include such conditions as chronic obstructive uropathy, kidney failure or nephrotic syndrome.
  • Skin disorders – Dermatitis, cellulitis, burns and ichthyosis are examples of some skin disorders.
  • Immune system disorders – HIV, AIDS, lupus, Epstein-Barr virus and Sjorgen’s syndrome may qualify a claimant for disability benefits.
  • Malignant neoplastic diseases – Conditions that fall under this heading include various types of cancer, acute leukemia, brain tumors and mesothelioma.
  • Senses and speech issues – Vision, hearing loss, auditory processing disorder, loss of speech or macular degeneration may qualify claimants for benefits.
  • Neurological disorders – Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, ALS, epilepsy, neuropathy, polio may impact a claimant to a degree that he or she can be qualified for benefits.
  • Mental disorders – Schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, retardation, autism, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder may be covered.

It is important to remember that a claimant must be able to show more than that he or she has the same diagnosis as a condition listed in the Blue Book. He or she must meet the criteria under the impairment, such as meeting a certain level of severity or being under certain treatment.

Other conditions

There are many other medical conditions that the Social Security Administration recognizes that may qualify a claimant for disability benefits. If a claimant has a medically recognizable impairment that prevents him or her from working a full-time job, the claimant can be approved for benefits on this basis.

Contact leading New Port Richey Social Security disability lawyer today for a free consultation

Attorney Joseph Rooth has assisted people just like you for more than 25 years, passionately helping you get the benefits you need and deserve. For help obtaining your Social Security disability benefits in Florida, call 727-849-3400 or contact us online. Attorney Joseph Rooth provides representation to clients in New Port Richey, Clearwater, Seminole, Tampa and the surrounding areas.

roothlawyerWhat Impairments Qualify for SSD or SSI?