The Social Security Administration (SSA) is tasked with awarding Social Security Disability benefits to those applicants who have a qualifying, disabling condition. These conditions are ones that affect a person’s ability to retain gainful employment. If you suffer a disabling medical condition and are hoping to receive Social Security Disability benefits, you are probably concerned about whether or not your condition will qualify for receipt of these benefits. Here is a guide that will help answer this question for you.

What Medical Conditions Qualify You for Social Security Disability?

The first thing to check to see if your medical condition qualifies for Social Security Disability is the SSA Blue Book. The Blue Book contains a “Listing of Medical Impairments” that automatically qualify a person, when other conditions are met, for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Listed qualifying conditions include:

  • Musculoskeletal problems
  • Respiratory illnesses
  • Neurological disorders
  • Blood disorders
  • Immune system disorders
  • Mental disorders

In addition to those conditions listed in the Blue Book, medical conditions that are essentially the equivalent to conditions listed in the Blue Book will also generally qualify a person for Social Security Disability benefits. If a particular medical condition is not on the “Listing of Medical Impairments” contained in the Blue Book, it may still be a qualifying condition pursuant to SSA guidelines. In order to be a qualifying condition, the medical condition must be a medically determinable impairment. This means that your medical condition must be supported by medical records and clinical reports. The condition must have been the subject of lab testing and clinical evaluation.

In addition to being a medically determinable impairment, the condition must limit your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is determined by evaluating the most demanding activity you can participate in despite medical limitations caused by your condition. A disability claims examiner will use your RFC to determine your exertional level and also your non-exertional level. Essentially, the claims examiner is looking to determine your limits on what work you can and cannot do because of your medical condition.

The disability claims examiner will review medical evidence pertaining to your condition in order to determine whether or not it will qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits. For instance, the claims examiner will review your:

  • Medical history
  • Mental health records
  • Medical reports
  • Residual functional capacity
  • Physical examinations
  • Treatment notes
  • Radiographic studies (MRI, CAT scan, X-rays)
  • Blood work lab reports

You must be able to submit recent medical evidence that includes the time period from when you developed the disabling condition up to current time. The records must be able to support a claim that your medical condition is severe enough that it prevents you from performing most standard work-related tasks and responsibilities.

Social Security Disability Attorney

Worrying about whether or not you will qualify for Social Security benefits is a heavy burden to carry. Get the answers you need at Roeschke Law. Our dedicated Social Security Disability attorneys are here to provide you with trusted legal counsel. Contact us today.