To help streamline the process, the Social Security Administration maintains a list of medical conditions that can immediately qualify an applicant for Social Security disability benefits if certain conditions are met. It is important to note, however, that just because a condition is not on the list does not necessarily mean that a disabled individual cannot obtain disability benefits. The Social Security Administration provides options for different types of disabilities and different circumstances.
In general, categories of impairments or medical conditions that may more quickly qualify for disability benefits include musculoskeletal problems; senses and speech issues; respiratory illnesses; cardiovascular conditions; digestive tract problems; neurological disorders; Parkinson’s disease; blood disorders; mental disorders; and immune system disorders.
When a disabled person suffers from a medical condition not on the list of impairments, it is important that they understand options may still be available to receive disability benefits. Provided that the medical condition the disabled individual suffers from can be determined medically, through clinical diagnosis and laboratory testing, disability benefits may be available. Medical evidence and history is required as part of the application process. The medical condition must also limit the disabled individual’s ability to perform gainful activities such as gainful work. Several factors are considered to determine what type of activities the disabled individual can perform.
In addition, the disability must be expected to last 12 months or longer or result in death and to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, the applicant must have sufficient work history which is not the case when the applicant is applying for Supplemental Security Income benefits for disabled individuals. There are different options to suit different needs and disabled individuals should be familiar with all of them to help obtain benefits available to aid and help disabled individuals.
Source: Socialsecurity.findlaw.com, “Medical Conditions that Qualify You for Disability Claims,” Accessed July 31, 2016
