Types Of Disabling Impairments
Which Impairments Meet The Social Security Definition Of Disability?
The Social Security Administration lists a large number of conditions, known as the “Listing of Impairments,” for both children and adults, that can meet its definition of disability. To qualify, the condition must be backed by medical proof that a Social Security Disability applicant will be unable to work for a period of more than 12 months. The Listing of Impairments is broken down into categories, including Musculoskeletal System impairments, Respiratory System Impairments, Immune System Disorders and more.
Even if your particular condition is not listed, you may still be eligible for SSD coverage. The SSA reviews each applicant’s submission on a case-by-case basis, and many applicants have been awarded benefits when multiple impairments, taken together, meet the SSA’s definition of disability.
The SSA will consider you disabled if:
- You cannot do the work you did before;
- It decides you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition; and
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
Do I Qualify For SSD If Living With AIDS/HIV?
Most adults living with an AIDS diagnosis qualify for Social Security Disability benefits so long as they meet the definition of disability listed above. In addition, children living with AIDS/HIV might qualify for Supplemental Security Income, provided your family meets the income requirements.
You must show proof of your infection before you will be awarded benefits. Typical medical tests that accomplish this include antibody tests, HIV DNA detection tests, viral cultures or other tests as suggested by your personal doctor.
How Do I Get Disability Benefits With Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that affects various parts of the body, but it is mainly known to affect the spine and the joints between the pelvic and the spine. Over time, these joints can fuse together, limiting an individual’s mobility and his or her ability to perform daily tasks. Pain and fatigue are often disabling symptoms.
To get disability benefits, you should first consult with your doctor and an experienced SSD attorney in the Chicago area. By obtaining the necessary evidence and submitting a complete, accurate application, you might be eligible for income replacement benefits and coverage for future medical care.
Can I Apply For SSD Benefits With Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are very common and are listed as Mental Disorders in the SSA’s listing of impairments. The severity of anxiety symptoms varies from person to person, so certain individuals with an anxiety disorder might qualify for benefits while others do not.
The law firm of The Law Offices of Jeffrey A Rabin & Associates, Ltd. is happy to answer questions about your specific situation. Please speak to us today if you are diagnosed with general anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or social anxiety. You very well might be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, so please call us today at 847-299-0008.
Will I Qualify For Social Security Disability With Autism?
Autism is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate with others, often due to underdeveloped social interaction abilities. It is more common for children under the age of 18 to qualify for SSI benefits after being diagnosed with autism, but certain adults might qualify under the SSD program so long as they have a documented work history. Adults must meet the SSA’s definition of disability before they will be awarded benefits.
Which Blood Disorders Qualify For Benefits?
Many blood disorders (classified as hematological disorders by the SSA) qualify for benefits under the Social Security Disability program. They include:
- Chronic anemia
- Sickle cell disease
- Chronic thrombocytopenia
- Hereditary telangiectasia
- Myelofibrosis
- Many others
What SSD Information Do I Need To Know If I Have Cancer?
Many forms of cancer automatically qualify a person for SSD benefits after a person receives a diagnosis, while other forms of cancer will qualify once it has progressed to a certain stage. It is important to consult with your doctor and an experienced SSD attorney to determine if you meet the SSA’s definition of disabled. For instance, your treatments might prevent you from working for more than 12 months, which would make you eligible to receive SSD benefits.
How Does SSD Work With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
A person diagnosed with COPD could be approved for SSD coverage. Your eligibility will depend upon the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your ability to remain gainfully employed. Pulmonary function test results will be important. Have your doctor conduct tests to determine if you meet the criteria to automatically qualify for SSD benefits, and then speak with an experienced attorney to obtain coverage as quickly as possible.
Can I Seek Benefits With Congestive Heart Failure?
Congestive heart failure occurs when a person’s heart is unable to pump a sufficient amount of blood for his or her bodily needs. According to the SSA, your medical records must show that you have severe, continuing heart failure despite being on medication. Your ejection fraction measurement will be important evidence. Your records should also document that you have either:
- Systolic failure; or
- Diastolic failure; and
- Fail to perform an exercise test at the necessary level or at least three episodes of heart failure and fluid retention within the past 12 months (including the need to be hospitalized for up to 12 hours each visit)
Am I Entitled To SSD With Crohn’s Disease?
The Social Security Administration considers Crohn’s disease (inflammatory bowel disease IBD) to be a serious impairment that could prevent a person from working for an extended period of time. Crohn’s disease is classified as a digestive system disorder in the SSA’s listing of impairments. To qualify, you must have received a diagnosis of the condition and a listed complication such as:
- A bowel obstruction
- Significant weight loss
- Pain and cramping in your abdominal mass
- Untreatable anemia
- Other proof that you are unable to work
Can I Receive Social Security Benefits With Diabetes?
Much like other disorders, a person with diabetes will be evaluated based upon how diabetes affects his or her ability to work. Certain people can work a 40-hour week with no limitations, while others struggle to perform daily activities. Your eligibility will be determined how diabetes (the SSA does not distinguish between type I or type II) impacts other organs/systems in your body and impairs or restricts your functionality.
Can I Pursue A SSD Claim With Chronic Headaches/Migraines?
Anyone living with chronic headaches can understand the severe limitations it puts on his or her ability to work, drive or live a normal life. To qualify for benefits, individuals must show that their chronic headaches or migraine condition is severe enough to equal a medical condition approved by the SSA. This will require you to keep records of the duration, frequency, and location of the headaches, as well as how effective (or not effective) medication is in alleviating your symptoms. Significant weight will be given to evidence obtained by visiting headache specialists or neurologists.
What Is Huntington’s Disease And Does It Qualify For Social Security?
Huntington’s disease affects a person’s ability to function properly. It is genetically inherited and makes it so the brain’s neurons degenerate over time. Depending on your specific symptoms and response to treatment, you could qualify for SSD benefits with Huntington’s disease. You will have to show with medical evidence that you ability to work is impeded by your symptoms, meaning that they are so severe that you are unable to work for an extended period of time.
What Type Of Mental Illnesses Qualify For SSDI Or SSI?
The SSA lists many mental impairments that could allow a person to be classified as disabled. They include:
- Depression-related conditions
- Anxiety disorders, including PTSD
- Psychotic disorders
- ADHD
- Other learning disabilities
- Intellectual development disorder
- Personality disorders
- Organic mental disorders
Will I Successfully Win An SSD Claim With Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease affecting a person’s central nervous system that gets progressively worse over time. MS patients must keep careful records of their episodes as MS can be episodic, meaning there are periods of difficulty and periods where the symptoms do not manifest. However, many symptoms of MS are quite disabling, so it is important to maintain constant communication with your doctor to obtain the required proof the SSA will require. Common MS symptoms include:
- Coordination problems
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Bowel and bladder complications
- Numbness
- Vision complications
- Depression
- Concentration difficulties
- Speech problems
- Many others
Does Obesity Qualify For SSD Benefits?
Obesity itself is not listed by the SSA on its Listing of Impairments. It can, however, be a contributing condition to other impairments that could qualify a person for SSD benefits. For example, obesity could contribute to heart failure, diabetes and other conditions listed. It will be weighed alongside other disabling conditions to determine whether you meet the standard definition of disabled under the SSA’s criteria.
Will My SSD Claim Be Denied With Psoriasis?
Not necessarily. The SSA will review your medical records to determine if your psoriasis symptoms are severe and frequent enough to meet its definition of disabled. This chronic disease leads to a person’s immune system attacking healthy skin cells or failing to communicate with existing or developing skin cells. In severe cases, the pain, discomfort and physical limitations are debilitating. Impaired use of hands and fingers can be disabling.
What Is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy And Does It Qualify?
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is a chronic condition that invokes severe pain and irritation. It is possible to qualify for SSD coverage if you suffer from RSD, but your medical records must show that persistent pain severely impedes your ability to sustain full time work activity. An experienced SSD attorney will know the proof the SSA will demand, and he or she can help you obtain it.
Will A Seizure Disorder Such As Epilepsy Qualify For SSD Benefits?
Epilepsy can certainly prevent an adult from working for 12 months or longer, but it is one of the more difficult conditions with which people can obtain SSD benefits. Our team of experienced attorneys will work with you and your medical professional to show your seizure disorder meets the SSA’s definition of disabled.
Helpful tips for meeting the SSA’s criteria include maintaining a clear, up-to-date record of your seizures, their severity, frequency and other symptoms.
More Information Is Available
Countless other conditions make a person eligible to receive SSD benefits. We have included links to other common conditions that clients ask questions about:
Contact An Experienced Chicago SSD/SSI Attorney: Free Consultations
To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our Social Security Disability benefits attorneys, call 847-299-0008, toll free at 888-529-0600 or simply contact us online.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means no money up front and no hourly fees. Our fees must be approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and comply with SSA guidelines. We file our fee agreement with the SSA in every case.
