Does My Medical Condition Count as a Disability for SSDI?

Determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is essential for anybody who has a condition that prevents them from returning to work. Depending on the individual, conditions that make it difficult or impossible to return to work may be physical or mental in nature, and they can arise out of a traumatic injury in an accident or a disease diagnosis, such as cancer or multiple sclerosis. Yet not all medical conditions — even ones that you feel are disabling, or that qualify you for certain benefits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — will meet the definition of a disability that the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to determine a person’s SSDI eligibility.

Those are a lot of acronyms, which can feel overwhelming, but here is the basic information your need about whether you can expect your medical condition to qualify you for SSDI benefits: You will need medical evidence that proves the definition of a “disability” under Section 404.1505 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Our national SSDI lawyers can explain in more detail, and we can get started helping you on your application today.

Social Security Administration’s Disability Definition 

The Code of Federal Regulations, which is what the SSA uses as its definition of a disability, defines a disability as “the inability to do any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” The law further explains that, “to meet this definition, you must have a severe impairment(s) that makes you unable to do your past relevant work or any other substantial gainful work that exists in the national economy.”

To put all of this in much simpler language, you will essentially need to prove the following about your medical condition:

• It is severe enough that it is either expected to last for at least one year or to result in your death; and
• It prevents you from doing any kind of work.

Bluebook and the Listing of Impairments 

When you are reading about medical conditions that meet the definition of a disability used by the SSA, you are likely to come across the “Bluebook,” which has a “listing of impairments.”

The Bluebook is divided into 14 sections, each its own type of impairment. These impairments are broad, and it is important to work with a lawyer who can discuss the specific requirements of each type of injury contained within the impairment listings. Even if you have a certain condition, that alone may not qualify you. You will often need to prove the disabling extent of the condition. And some medical conditions that are not identified in the Bluebook could also qualify.

Contact Our National SSDI Attorneys 

If you have any questions about SSDI eligibility or need assistance with your SSDI case, you should seek legal advice. One of the experienced national SSDI benefits lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can talk with you today to learn more about your circumstances and to discuss your SSDI application.

Sources:

ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-1505.htm#:~:text=(a)%20The%20law%20defines%20disability,not%20less%20than%2012%20months

ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm