The SSA’s Definition of Disability

The SSA has a very specific definition of disability. According to the SSA, you are considered disabled if:

• You cannot do the work that you did before: Your condition must prevent you from performing your previous job duties.
• You cannot adjust to other work: If you are unable to do any other kind of work due to your medical condition and skills, education, or experience, you may be considered disabled.
• Your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death: The SSA requires that your disability is either expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Temporary conditions or those that improve within a short period are generally not considered disabilities under Social Security.

Types of Conditions Considered for Social Security Disability

The SSA considers a wide range of medical conditions as potential disabilities. These conditions can be physical, mental, or a combination of both. Some of the most common disabilities under Social Security include:

• Musculoskeletal Disorders: This includes back problems, arthritis, and joint disorders that make it difficult to walk, stand, or perform basic tasks.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Heart disease, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions that impair the ability to perform physical work.
• Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson’s disease that affect the nervous system and limit physical and cognitive functioning.
• Mental Health Disorders: Severe depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that significantly affect daily life and the ability to maintain employment.
• Cancer: Many types of cancer, particularly when they are in advanced stages or require ongoing treatment, can qualify as a disability.
• Respiratory Disorders: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and other lung conditions that limit the ability to breathe or perform physical tasks.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune conditions that can cause severe pain and fatigue.
• Diabetes: If complications from diabetes cause severe limitations, it can qualify as a disability.

The SSA’s Listing of Impairments

The SSA maintains a comprehensive list of medical conditions known as the Listing of Impairments (also known as the “Blue Book”). This list outlines the specific criteria that a condition must meet to be automatically considered disabling. If your condition is on this list and meets the necessary medical criteria, you may be approved for benefits more quickly.

• The Blue Book is divided into categories, including musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, mental disorders, and more.
• For each condition, the SSA specifies the severity of the condition that must be demonstrated with medical evidence.
• If your condition is not listed, you can still be approved for disability benefits if you can prove that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working.

The Five-Step Process the SSA Uses to Determine Disability

When reviewing your disability claim, the SSA uses a five-step process to determine whether you qualify for benefits. Here’s what they look at:

• Are you working?: If you are working and earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, you may not be considered disabled.
• Is your condition severe?: Your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities.
• Is your condition on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments?: If your condition is listed in the Blue Book and meets the criteria, you may be automatically approved for benefits.
• Can you do the work you did before?: If you are unable to perform your past work due to your condition, the SSA will move to the next step.
• Can you do any other type of work?: If you can’t perform your past work, the SSA will evaluate whether you can adjust to another type of work, considering your age, education, and work experience.

If your condition prevents you from working in any capacity, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits.

How to Prove Your Disability

To qualify for Social Security Disability, you need to provide sufficient medical evidence to support your claim. This includes:

• Medical Records: Detailed medical records from your doctors that show the severity of your condition, including test results, treatments, and diagnoses.
• Doctor’s Statements: A letter from your treating physician describing your condition and how it limits your ability to work can be very helpful.
• Consultative Examinations: In some cases, the SSA may require you to undergo a consultative examination (CE) with a doctor they select to further evaluate your condition.