Site Logo

Give us a call (800) 600-2089Our staff is here to help: Monday-Sunday 8am-6pm

×
  • Home
  • Social Security Disability
    • Articles
    • FAQ’s
  • Veterans Disability
    • Articles
    • FAQ’s
  • Testimonials
  • Blogs
    • Social Security
    • Veterans
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Client Login
☰Menu

Social Security Blogs

What is a Disabling Condition?

Posted on October 17, 2020 by Ken LaVan
What is a Disabling Condition?

What is a Disabling Condition? Social Security considers any medical condition disabling if it keeps your form working.  However, your conditions also must keep you from working for 12 months or longer.  Social Security has a list of specific conditions that will automatically qualify you for benefits, known as the “Blue Book.” 

Disabling Conditions Under the “Blue Book”

The Blue Book lists different medical conditions that qualify for disability benefits.  However, you must meet certain conditions.  Generally, the requirements under the Blue Book describe the most severe cases of any condition.  The Blue Book generally categorizes conditions by body system or function.  Although there is a separate disability listings for adults and children under the age of 18.  Above all they also include a listing for growth impairments. 

Listing of Medical Impairments

For adults, medical conditions that qualify for disability benefits include:

  • Musculoskeletal system, special senses and speech, respiratory disorders , cardiovascular disorders
  • Digestive system disorders, genitourinary disorders, hematological disorders, skin disorders
  • Endocrine disorders, congenital disorders affecting multiple body systems, neurological disorders, mental disorders, cancer and immune system disorders

Getting Disability on a Diagnosis Alone

Social Security has very few conditions that qualify you for benefits on a diagnosis alone.  These include ALS, an organ transplant and certain cancers.  Not all cancers will automatically qualify your for benefits. 

How do you Meet a Listing Level Impairment?

The Listings of Impairments set out the requirements for how severe the symptoms must be to qualify you for disability benefits.First, your doctor must diagnose you with a disability found under the listings. Second, Social Security needs to review your medical records.  They look at your doctors’ treatment notes and test results.  If you haven’t had the clinical or laboratory tests required in the listing, you should ask your doctor to perform them. 

Example 1: when your disabling condition meets a listing

For example, Donna has degenerative disc disease and herniated discs in her lower back.  Donna requires a walker for standing and walking.  She has an MRI documenting both the degenerative disc disease and herniated discs.  Her treatment records show that she has limited motion in her lower back.  She also has muscle weakness, decreased sensation and positive straight-leg raise testing.  Her doctors have continued to document these problems in her records.  Donna meets the listing under 1.04 for disorders of the spine. 

Disabling conditions and medical equivalence

If you do not meet the specific requirements under the Listings, you can medically equal them.  Social Security understands that there are many ways to diagnose and document the same illness.  Your disability may “equal’ a listing if it does not quite meet all of the requirements under the listing.  For example, the listing may require a specific result on a specific lab test.  However, you were given a different test that showed the same results.  SSA may find that your disability equals the listing.  Medical equivalence can be found if:

  • Your medical impairment is at least equal in severity and duration
  • But does not quite match the requirements under the listing.  

What if your Disabling Condition isn’t in the Listings?

You can still be found disabled if your disability isn’t found in the listings.  Social Security can still find you disabled if you can show that your conditions keep you from working.  Some examples of other disabling conditions include: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Fibromyalgia; Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome; Reflex sympathetic dystrophy; or Celiac Disease.

What if your Disabling Condition Doesn’t Meet or Equal the Listings?

If your disabling condition doesn’t meet the listings, Social Security considers your residual functional capacity or RFC.  Your RFC is what you are able to do despite your medical conditions.  An RFC includes both physical and mental limitations.  Social Security looks at your medical evidence to determine your RFC.  They will also consider RFC forms that are filled out by your doctors.  

What Medical Evidence is Considered?

Medical evidence for the period of time that you became disabled and unable to work will be used to determine if you are disabled, it is helpful if your treatment is continuous and ongoing.  Firstly, medical evidence can include your treatment notes and physical examinations. Secondly, imaging such as MRIs, x-rays, CT scans or nerve testing. Thirdly, blood work or biopsy results. And, lastly, pulmonary tests or mental health records.

Disabling conditions and your Age

Social Security has special disability rules the older you are.  If you are over 50 years old call us immediately to see if you qualify as an older individual. The older you are, the easier it can be to win your case. 

Example 2:  Applying the Grid Rules

For example, Justin, a 57 year old man previously worked as a painter.  He needs a cane, applied for disability because he injured his knee, trouble in standing and walking.  His medical records include MRIs and x-rays of his knee documenting his injury.  His doctors have also documented that he has pain and limited motion of his knee.  Since he is over the age of 55, the grid rules allow Social Security to approve his claim. 

 Contact us now for a free consultation.

Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652

Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.

Related Articles

  • Is Osteoporosis a Disability?
  • What is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?
  • I Just Received a Function Report Questionnaire from Social Security. What Should I Do?
  • Why Your SSD Claim Might Be Denied?
  • What is the SSDI Payment Schedule?
  • How can I Check on My Disability Claim?
  • Why Should I Hire a Disability Lawyer?
  • What are the Over 55 Grid Rules?
  • VA Benefits Appeal
  • VA Disability Remand
  • What are Social Security Disability Questions?
Click on a button to get started:
Are you a current client?
Are you currently receiving Social Security Disablity?
Are you currently working more than 10 hours per week?
Are you unable to work a full time job because of your disability?

Free Case Review, 100% Guaranteed

Let us help you
  • By submitting this form I consent to being called, text or emailed regarding a free consultation to determine if Disability Help Group can help me with a Social Security and/or Veteran's Disability claim. Standard cellular rates will apply and the caller may utilize an autodialer. I waive all federal and state no-call registry protections. I understand my consent does not require me to purchase anything and my number will not be stored or called for any other purpose.

Post navigation

Previous Post Previous post:
What Can You Own on Social Security Disability?
Next Post Next post:
Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability?

© Disability Help Group, LLC

  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Term Of Use

This website is an ADVERTISEMENT. The Social Security Disability information you obtain at this site is not, nor intended to be legal advice, and should be used for informational purposes only. Disability Help Group is an Advocacy Group, not a law firm. Utilizing this website or contacting us does not create a business relationship. Disability Help Group is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other government entity or agency.

Call Now
Review