There is no one single medical condition that will qualify a person for Social Security disability. To be found disabled by Social Security and granted benefits, a person must not be able to work due to a severe medical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least one year or result in death. A person’s medical condition(s) must prevent them from doing work that they did in the past, and it must prevent them from adjusting from other work in the national economy.
Social Security has a list of over 200 diseases and conditions it identifies as Compassionate Allowances that it uses to fast track claims for processing. The Compassionate Allowance process is reserved for the most severe of medical conditions, and is comprised primarily of incredibly severe genetic disorders, Stage IV cancers or metastasized cancers. By fast tracking claims processing through the Compassionate Allow process, people receive funds quickly. It is not uncommon for a person to have a condition listed as a Compassionate Allowance that does not meet the severity criteria for the fast track.
Many people apply for and are approved for Social Security Disability due to conditions such as:
Social Security also has their Blue Book which contains their listed medical conditions or impairments. The Blue Book is divides into categories and includes musculoskeletal disorders, special senses and speech, respiratory disorders, cardiovascular system, digestive system, genitourinary disorders, hematological disorders, skin disorders, endocrine disorders, congenital disorders, neurological disorders, mental disorders, cancer, and immune system disorders. If a person meets or equals a Social Security listing, they automatically qualify for benefits. It is difficult to prove that you meet or equal a listing because the criteria is specific and requires a doctor to give a reasoned medical opinion as to why you meet or equal a listing. However, even if you do not meet or equal a social security listing, you can still be found disabled based on any number of other medical conditions.
- Rheumatological conditions such as Arthritis, Lupus, and Fibromyalgia
- Diabetes and its side effects such as neuropathy and kidney failure
- Neurological conditions such as Seizures, Multiple Sclerosis, Cognitive Decline post Stroke
- Mental Health conditions such as Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar DO or PTSD
- Orthopedic and Joint Issues such as Back Pain, Degenerative Disc Disease and Degenerative Joint Disease
- COPD and Heart Failure
- Cancer
This list is not exhaustive and none of these conditions will automatically qualify you for disability. The best way to ensure that you receive benefits is to have the help of an expert. I am paid on a contingency basis and am always available for consultations. You can email me for help at terisa@gaultdisabiltylaw.com for any questions you might have or call at 503-908–1702.