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What Medical Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability

Through a Social Security disability claim, a person with a medical disability can seek benefits to support themselves and their family. This raises an important question: What types of medical conditions qualify for Social Security disability benefits? The short answer is that a wide range of medical impairments can qualify for SSDI or SSI—an applicant must prove that they have a disabling medical condition that reasonably keeps them from working. Here, our Arkansas Social Security disability lawyers discuss the medical conditions that can qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.

An Overview of the Categories of Listed Medical Conditions

The SSA maintains a list known as the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security—or as it is most simply known: The Blue Book. It is a comprehensive list of the conditions that qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Within the Blue Book, there is guidance on what an applicant needs to prove to qualify as a disability for a specific type of medical impairment. The SSA’s Blue Book has 14 different categories of medical impairments:

  • 1.00: Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • 2.00: Special Senses and Speech
  • 3.00: Respiratory Disorders
  • 4.00: Cardiovascular System
  • 5.00: Digestive System
  • 6.00: Genitourinary Disorders
  • 7.00: Hematological Disorders
  • 8.00: Skin Disorders
  • 9.00: Endocrine Disorders
  • 10.00: Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems
  • 11.00: Neurological Disorders
  • 12.00: Mental Disorders
  • 13.00: Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
  • 14.00: Immune System Disorders

Unlisted Conditions Can Still Potentially Qualify for Social Security Benefits

Even if your medical condition is not listed under any of the Blue Book’s 14 different categories, it may still be possible to qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. As explained in the Social Security Program Operations Manual System (POMS), you can get benefits by “equaling” a listing. In effect, this means that an applicant provides evidence that demonstrates that their medical condition is as severe and as disabling as one of the specific conditions listed in the Blue Book.

Medical Evidence is Key to a Social Security Disability Claim

Social Security disability claims are complicated. To obtain SSDI benefits or SSI benefits, you have the obligation that you have a qualifying medical disability. All successful Social Security disability claims are built on a foundation of strong and comprehensive supporting evidence. The precise evidence that an applicant must provide depends on the specific nature of your medical condition. If you have any questions about putting together an SSDI or SSI application, an experienced Arkansas Social Security disability lawyer can help.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Arkansas Social Security Disability Attorney

At Gallo Cazort & Co. Law Firm, our Arkansas Social Security disability lawyers have the professional experience that you can rely on. If you have any questions about the medical conditions that can qualify for monthly disability benefits, we are here to help. Call us or send us a direct message for a free, no-obligation review of your case. We provide SSDI & SSI representation throughout Northwest Arkansas, including in Rogers, Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith.