Qualifying Disabilities and Impairments
What is a Qualifying Disability?
“Disability” as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) is based on your inability to work. The SSA considers you disabled if:
- The claimant is unable to perform work that he/she did before;
- The SSA decides that the claimant cannot adjust to other work because of his/her medical condition(s); and
- The claimant’s disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability. Social Security program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities, including workers’ compensation, insurance, savings and investments.
What is a Qualifying Impairment?
According to the SSA, “impairment” is a physical or mental condition that “results from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities which can be shown by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques”.
The SSA has established a Disability Evaluation publication (also known as the “Blue Book”) specially prepared to provide physicians and other health professionals with an understanding of the disability programs administered by the Social Security Administration. It explains how each program works and the kinds of information a health professional can furnish to help ensure sound and prompt decisions on disability claims.
The Adult and Childhood Listings of Impairments are included in this publication. These listings are just part of how the SSA decides if someone is disabled. The SSA will consider past work experience, severity of medical conditions, age, education, and work skills. Per SSA, impairments considered severe enough to prevent an individual from doing any gainful activity (or in the case of children under age 18 applying for SSI, severe enough to cause marked and severe functional limitations).
Please refer to the “List of Impairments” established by the SSA found on the SSA website. Most of the listed impairments are permanent or expected to result in death, or the listing includes a specific statement of duration. For all other listings, the evidence must show that the impairment has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. The criteria in the Listing of Impairments are applicable to evaluation of claims for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) or payments under both the SSDI and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.
Can you provide me a list of Disabilities and Impairments that would qualify me for SSDI or SSI?
This is a partial list of disabilities and impairments that may qualify you for receiving SSDI or SSI benefits. This is not a complete list. Please contact Scott D. Lewis to determine whether your impairment may qualify.
- Musculoskeletal System Disorders
- Special Senses & Speech Disorders
- Respiratory System Disorders
- Cardiovascular System Disorders
- Digestive System Disorders
- Genitourinary System Disorders
- Hematological Disorders
- Skin Disorders
- Endocrine System Disorders
- Impairments that Affect Multiple Body Systems
- Neurological Disorders
- Mental Disorders
- Malignant Neoplastic Diseases
- Immune System Disorders
Should I Hire A Lawyer To Help Me?
If you are considering filing a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim or a claim for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, have had your initial claim denied, or are in the appeals stage, you may be wondering what criteria the Social Security Administration uses for the approval process. At the Social Security Law Office of Scott D. Lewis, we want you to be aware of the criteria that may qualify you for disability benefits. There are many factors to be considered but you may want to ask yourself:
- Does your impairment stop you from earning a living at your job?
- Can you earn a living doing another type of job?
Attorney Scott D. Lewis is an Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyer who will discuss ways he can help guide you through the process, assist you in getting your claim approved, and the money you deserve. Scott Lewis understands the appeals process; so let him help you with yours.
Contact Attorney Scott Lewis at (317) 423-8888 or complete the “Contact Us” form and our law firm will contact you to arrange a free consultation.
Social Security Disability Claims Representation:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI)
- Initial Claims
- Denied Claims
- Request for Reconsideration
- Request for a Hearing
- Disabled Child Benefits
For more specific information about Social Security claims law, visit the information pages on this website: