Understanding the SSA’s “Listing of Impairments”

The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments, which includes a list of medical conditions that may qualify you for disability benefits if they meet specific severity criteria. These impairments are divided into two main categories:

• Adult Impairments: Conditions that apply to individuals 18 years or older.
• Childhood Impairments: Conditions that apply to children under 18.

Conditions on the SSA’s list are classified into various groups, and you must meet the SSA’s medical criteria for that condition in order to qualify for benefits.

Common Conditions That May Qualify You for Disability

Below are some of the most common conditions that may qualify you for disability benefits:

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Conditions affecting the bones, joints, and muscles can qualify if they cause severe limitations in movement or function, including:

• Osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis
• Back injuries or spinal disorders
• Amputations
• Fractures or joint deformities
• Cerebral palsy

Cardiovascular Conditions

Heart and vascular problems can be debilitating and may meet SSA’s disability criteria if they severely limit physical exertion, such as:

• Heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Aortic aneurysms
• Severe hypertension (high blood pressure)

Neurological Conditions

Neurological disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, or nerves can qualify for disability benefits, including:

• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Brain injuries
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Chronic migraines

Mental Health Disorders

Mental health conditions can also qualify you for disability benefits if they significantly impair your ability to function, such as:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Respiratory Disorders

Chronic respiratory conditions can severely limit your ability to breathe or engage in physical activity, such as:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Lung cancer

Endocrine Disorders

Conditions affecting the endocrine system, including hormone production, can qualify for disability benefits, such as:

• Diabetes (with complications)
• Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
• Cushing’s syndrome

Digestive Disorders

Certain digestive system conditions may prevent you from working if they cause chronic pain or malabsorption of nutrients, such as:

• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Chronic liver disease
• Cirrhosis
• Gastrointestinal cancer

Immune System Disorders

Conditions that affect your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections may qualify for disability benefits, including:

• HIV/AIDS
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Celiac disease

Cancer

Certain types of cancer that cause long-term impairment or require intensive treatment may qualify for disability benefits, including:

• Lung cancer
• Breast cancer
• Leukemia
• Ovarian cancer

Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney conditions that lead to kidney failure or require dialysis may qualify you for disability, including:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• End-stage renal disease (ESRD)

Blood Disorders

Conditions affecting your blood or its ability to clot can cause significant limitations, such as:

• Sickle cell disease
• Hemophilia
• Thrombocytopenia

How the SSA Determines Disability Eligibility

While having a medical condition that appears on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments is a good start, you must also meet specific criteria for the severity of your condition. Here’s how the SSA evaluates disability:

• Step 1: Are You Working? If you are working and earning above a certain threshold (known as Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA), you may not qualify for disability benefits.
• Step 2: Is Your Condition Severe? Your condition must be severe enough to limit your ability to do basic work tasks.
• Step 3: Does Your Condition Meet the Listing? The SSA checks if your condition is listed and meets their severity requirements.
• Step 4: Can You Do Your Previous Work? The SSA evaluates whether you can return to your previous job or if your condition prevents it.
• Step 5: Can You Do Other Work? If you cannot return to your previous job, the SSA will determine if you can adjust to other work considering your skills, age, and education.

Applying for Disability Benefits

If you have one of the qualifying conditions, you can apply for disability benefits through the SSA. You’ll need to provide medical records and evidence that show how your condition limits your ability to work. You can apply online, over the phone, or by scheduling an appointment at your local SSA office.

• Provide Detailed Medical Evidence: The more detailed and specific your medical records are, the better your chances of approval. Include doctor’s reports, test results, and any supporting statements from your healthcare providers.
• Be Prepared for a Long Process: The application process can be lengthy, and many claims are initially denied. If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision.

Getting Help with Your Disability Application

Applying for disability benefits can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you have questions about whether your condition qualifies you for disability, or if you need help with your application, consider seeking help from a disability attorney or advocate. They can:

• Guide you through the application process.
• Help you gather medical evidence.
• Represent you during the appeals process if your claim is denied.