Medical conditions for social security disability claims
We’re often asked, “Does my condition qualify for disability benefits?” or “What conditions qualify for Social Security Disability?” Our answer is almost always: it depends. Like many areas of the law, Social Security Disability law rarely involves black-and-white, yes-or-no situations. Almost all applications fall into a gray area where they could be approved or denied. For example, one person with a specific back condition could be approved for benefits while someone with a very similar or even exact same condition could be denied based on other factors in their case such as age, education level, work history or how the condition limits them versus how it limits the other person.
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How can I find out which conditions qualify for social security disability claims?
While there are no exact answer to which conditions qualify for Social Security Disability, we have compiled a list of common conditions that people CAN be approved for, assuming the facts line up and their case is presented properly by an experienced Social Security Disability attorney. Just because you’ve been diagnosed with one of these conditions, it doesn’t mean that you automatically qualify for benefits.
But with proper representation, you should have a good chance of being approved. While this list is quite long and detailed, it’s not exhaustive. Other conditions not listed can qualify you for disability benefits. On the flip side, just because you’ve been diagnosed with one of these conditions, it doesn’t mean you automatically qualify.
Social Security Disability for musculoskeletal system conditions
Social Security Disability for conditions affecting special senses
- Loss of visual acuity
- Contraction of visual fields
- Loss of visual efficiency
- Vestibular dysfunction
- Loss of speech
- Loss of hearing treated with a cochlear implant
Social Security Disability for respiratory disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic pulmonary hypertension
- Pneumoconiosis (brown lung, black lung, etc.)
- Bronchiectasis
- Tuberculosis, fungus, chronic infections
- Respiratory failure
Social Security Disability for cardiovascular system conditions
- Chronic heart failure
- Ischemic heart disease
- Recurrent arrhythmias
- Congenital heart disease
- Heart transplant
- Aneurysm of the aorta or other major branch of the heart
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Peripheral arterial disease
Social Security Disability for digestive system conditions
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion
- Chronic liver disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Short bowel syndrome
- Liver transplant
Social Security Disability for kidney disease
- Chronic kidney disease with dialysis
- Kidney transplant
- Chronic kidney disease with impairment of kidney function
- Kidney nephritis
- End-stage kidney disease
Social Security Disability for hematology or blood disease
- Anemias such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia or other variants
- Disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis
- Disorders of bone marrow failure
- Need for bone marrow or stem cell transplant
Social Security Disability for skin disorders
- Ichthyosis
- Bullous disease
- Chronic skin infections
- Chronic dermatitis
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Genetic photosensitivity
- Extensive burns
Social Security Disability for endocrine disorders
- Thyroid disorders
- Parathyroid disorders
- Pituitary gland disorders
- Adrenal disorders
- Diabetes and complications related to diabetes
Social Security Disability for congenital disorders
- Down syndrome
- Congenital heart disease
- Tay-Sachs disease
- Trisomy X syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome
- Caudal regression syndrome
Social Security Disability for neurological conditions
- Epilepsy or seizure disorder
- Stroke
- Brain tumor
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal cord disorders affecting the central nervous system
- Multiple sclerosis
- ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Polio
- Myasthenia gravis
- Huntington’s chorea
Social Security Disability for psychiatric disorders
- Brain diseases affecting psychiatric health
- Depression or depressive disorders
- Schizophrenia, paranoia
- Affective or mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder or other stress-related disorders
- Autism and mental retardation
- Anxiety and related disorders
- Somatoform disorders
- Adult personality disorders
Social Security Disability for cancer and cancer treatment
- Breast cancer
- Bone cancer
- Lung cancer
- Skin cancer
- Soft-tissue sarcoma
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Cancer of salivary glands
- Thyroid cancer
- Cancer of the central nervous system
- Stomach cancer
- Colon cancer
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Cancer of the liver
- Malignant melanoma
- Side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Social Security Disability for immune system disorders
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Other inflammatory arthritis
- Systemic sclerosis
- Systemic vasculitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Connective tissue disorder
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Complications of HIV and AIDS
- Sjogren’s syndrome
Understanding Social Security Disability
SSD vs. SSI
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Submitting Claims Process
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Qualifying Coditions
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Veterans Law
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Social Security Law resources from RQP Law
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Social Security Disability’s 5-Step Sequential Process
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How to Win a Social Security Disability Claim
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Schedule a FREE Consultation
The best way to confirm your Social Security disability eligibility is to seek the advice of an experienced law firm. At RQP Law, we can help determine your eligibility and build the strongest case around your situation to prove to Social Security why your condition qualifies you for benefits.
We are pleased to meet with you in our Pottstown, PA primary office or any of our satellite offices
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