The SSA’s Definition of Disability

Before discussing the specific conditions that may qualify, it’s important to know the SSA’s general definition of disability:

• You must have a severe impairment: Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities, such as walking, sitting, or concentrating.
• The condition must last at least 12 months or be expected to result in death: SSD and SSI are intended for long-term disabilities, not temporary conditions.
• Your condition must prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA): This means you must be unable to work and earn a certain amount (for 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals).

If you meet these criteria, the SSA may find that your condition qualifies for disability benefits.

Common Medical Conditions That Qualify for SSD or SSI

The SSA has a list of medical conditions known as the Blue Book, which outlines impairments that automatically qualify for SSD or SSI benefits. These conditions fall under various categories, and if your condition is on this list, it may be easier to prove your eligibility. Here are some of the most common qualifying conditions:

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Chronic pain and difficulty with movement can make it difficult to perform basic work tasks.
• Back Disorders: Conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease are common causes of disability.
• Fractures and Joint Problems: Severe fractures, joint replacements, and other musculoskeletal injuries can qualify if they limit your ability to work.

Cardiovascular Conditions

• Heart Disease: Conditions like coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or heart attacks can limit your ability to perform physical activities required in most jobs.
• Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms, especially when accompanied by symptoms like fainting or dizziness, can qualify for benefits.
• Hypertension: Severe, untreated high blood pressure that leads to other serious complications may qualify.

Mental Health Conditions

• Depression: Severe depression that affects your ability to perform basic tasks or interact with others at work can qualify.
• Anxiety Disorders: Conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be eligible for benefits.
• Bipolar Disorder: Episodes of mania and depression that interfere with daily functioning may qualify.
• Schizophrenia: A chronic condition that impairs your ability to think, interact, and work in a normal environment.

Neurological Disorders

• Epilepsy: Severe seizures that are not controlled by medication can qualify for disability benefits.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement can severely limit your ability to work.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): The symptoms of MS, such as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty with coordination, can meet the SSA’s disability criteria.
• Alzheimer’s Disease: Cognitive decline and memory loss that interfere with work performance may qualify for benefits.
• Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that cause lasting cognitive or physical impairments may also qualify.

Respiratory Conditions

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis can prevent individuals from performing physical activities or working in certain environments.
• Asthma: Severe asthma that requires constant medication and limits your ability to work may qualify.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis: A condition that causes scarring in the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe and perform physical activities.

Kidney Disease

• Chronic Kidney Disease: When kidney function is severely impaired, and dialysis is required, you may qualify for benefits.
• Nephrotic Syndrome: A kidney disorder that can lead to swelling, high cholesterol, and other symptoms may be considered for SSD or SSI.

Cancer

• Any cancer that is severe, persistent, and results in functional limitations can qualify for benefits. Common cancers that may qualify include breast cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, and colon cancer.
• For some cancers, if the condition is advanced and treatment is not expected to improve your ability to work, it may automatically qualify under the SSA’s listing.

Diabetes

• Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: When complications from diabetes, such as nerve damage, vision impairment, or kidney failure, interfere with work, you may be eligible for benefits.
• Diabetic Neuropathy: Severe nerve damage caused by diabetes can limit mobility and impair your ability to perform physical tasks.

HIV/AIDS

• Individuals with HIV/AIDS who experience significant complications or a severely compromised immune system may qualify for disability benefits.

How Does the SSA Evaluate Your Condition?

Even if your medical condition is not explicitly listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, you may still be eligible for SSD or SSI if your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. The SSA uses a five-step evaluation process to assess your disability claim:

• Are you working?
• Is your condition severe?
• Does your condition meet or equal a listed impairment?
• Can you perform the work you did before your condition?
• Can you perform any other type of work?

If the SSA determines that your condition is severe and prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity, you may be eligible for SSD or SSI.