What Medical Conditions Qualify for SSD
Social security disability, or SSD, are benefits paid to those who either have a long-term medical condition or one expected to result in death that disallows the individual from working. The qualifications that the Social Security Administration (SSA) puts on SSD are based on the condition the person filing the claim (claimant) has; however, it essentially boils down to how the medical condition reported affects the ability to obtain and maintain gainful employment.
The conditions that qualify for SSD are considered “all or nothing”, meaning that you must be completely disabled by your medical condition in order to qualify. There are other programs, like the Veterans’ Affairs System that will cover disability payments for various levels of disability. It is recommended that you obtain a disability attorney or advocate to help walk you through the process and help determine what you may qualify for.
The SSA has a manual, known as the “Blue Book” that lists medical impairments that can qualify you for SSD. There are also 88 conditions covered under the Compassionate Allowances Program that will allow the claimant to be approved for SSD almost immediately; these conditions tend to be more severe and life-threatening than others. Below, we’ll review some of the main medical conditions that can qualify for SSD.
Digestive System
Any health issue that happens in the digestive tract is considered a digestive condition or disease. These can include:
- Cirrhosis
- Colon Cancer
- Diverticulitis
- GERD
- Hepatitis
- Liver Disease
- Bowel Incontinence
- Crohn's Disease
- Ulcers
- Wilson’s Disease
Cardiovascular System
Cardiovascular system disorders affect the structure and function of your heart. These can include:
- Artery Disease
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Heart Failure
- Heart Valve Disorder
- Hypertension
- High Cholesterol
- Raynaud’s Disease
- Ischemic Heart Disease
Hematological Disorders
When there is a disorder in the blood or blood organs, it falls in the hematological disorder category. These can include:- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Chronic Anemia
- Gilbert’s Syndrome
- Chronic Liver Disease
- Liver Transplants
Genitourinary Impairments
When a disorder is related to urinary or genital organs, they’ll fall in this category. These can include:
- Kidney Failure
- Kidney Transplant
- Nephrotic Syndrome
- Interstitial Cystitis
Endocrine System
Endocrine disorders are those that affect bone and tissue development, reproduction, and heart beats. These can include:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Grave’s Disease
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia
- Pancreatitis
- Thyroid Gland Disorders
Immune System Disorders
When a condition causes the body to attack its own tissues or decreases the body’s ability to fight infection, they are considered immune system disorders. These can include:
- Lupus
- HIV
- Epstein Barr Virus
- Scleroderma
- Guillain Barre Syndrome
Malignant Neoplastic Diseases
This category describes medical conditions stemming from cancer and tumors. These can include:
- Cancer
- Leukemia
- Breast Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Fallopian Tube Cancer
- Lymphedema
- Lung Cancer
- Brain Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
Mental Disorders
Mental disorders will affect your thinking and behavior. These can include:
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Mood Disorders
- Panic Attacks
- PTSD
- Anorexia
- Schizophrenia
Multiple Body System Impairments
Impairments that can affect multiple body systems can include:
Neurological Problems
When a disease affects the brain, nerves, and spine it falls into this category. These can include:
- CeMeuralgia
- ALS
- Polio
- Epilepsy
- Stroke
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Parkinson’s
Musculoskeletal Problems
Disorders in this category describe pain or injury to the neck, back, nerves, tendons, limbs, and joints. These can include:
- Amputation
- Bone Spurs
- Fibromyalgia
- Back Pain
- Club Foot
- Neck Pain
- Scoliosis
- Paralysis
- Whiplash
- Shoulder Pain
Skin Disorders
When there is a condition that can cause the skin to become chronically inflamed or irritated, it falls in this category. These can include:
- Psoriasis
- Burns
- Cellulitis
- Dermatitis
Respiratory System
Diseases that affect the lungs and respiratory system fall into this category. These can include:
- Asthma
- Emphysema
- Lung Transplant
- Sarcoidosis
- COPD
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Sleep Apnea
Speech and Special Systems
When there is a difficulty in speaking or voice problems, it falls into this category. These can include:
- Vision Loss
- Loss of Speech
- Acoustic Neuroma
- Meniere’s Disease
- Macular Degeneration