Common Medical Conditions Qualifying For Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)
According to 2021, Census Bureau estimates, there are roughly 42.5 million Americans with disabilities, accounting for approximately 13% of the overall population. Individuals in this group have hearing, vision, cognition, walking, self-care, or independent living problems.
Furthermore, Americans with impairments have lower salaries than those without disabilities. According to the Census Bureau, the median wages for people with disabilities in 2021 were $28,438, while those without disabilities earned a median of $40,948.
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), people with disabilities made up around 4% of the employed population in the United States in 2022.
Social Security Administration's (SSA) Disability Evaluation
Qualifying for disability benefits can be a challenging process that requires a significant quantity of paperwork and evidence to support your claim for financial assistance due to a medical condition. There is usually a waiting period after you submit your application before your eligibility is determined. If your application is denied, you will need to spend more time and effort appealing the decision. As a consequence, it’s a good idea to check your medical condition’s eligibility against the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) guidelines before submitting an SSDI application.
While no circumstances automatically ensure disability benefits, several conditions may result in faster approval. The “Blue Book” of the Social Security Administration summarises the most prevalent conditions considered for evaluation when filing for disability benefits. If your disease is not included in the Blue Book, you may still be eligible if it prevents you from engaging in significant gainful activity (SGA) and is likely to keep you from working for at least a year.
Before delving into the most generally accepted medical illnesses, it is critical to grasp the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability, which may differ from a medical diagnosis. The terms “substantial gainful activity (SGA)” and “significant functional impairment” are important to understand since the SSA uses these markers to establish eligibility for benefits.
"Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)"
If your income exceeds a particular level known as “substantial gainful activity” (SGA), you may lose your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The SGA limit is changed on an annual basis to reflect changes in the national average pay. The SGA limit is scheduled to $1,470 per month in 2023 ($2,460 for blind individuals).
A person must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) to be eligible for disability compensation. Individuals are regarded to be engaging in SGA if their monthly earnings exceed the specified level of $1,470. While it is permissible to work while receiving disability benefits, having a monthly income that is close to or exceeds the SGA limit can jeopardize those benefits.
"Significant Functional Impairment"
Functional impairments (FI) cause difficulties with essential daily activities such as dressing, grooming, getting in and out of bed, preparing meals, managing finances, and doing housework.
To be eligible for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits due to a mental illness, the application must clearly demonstrate considerable functional impairment directly related to the person’s diagnosis. This impairment may involve issues understanding, remembering, applying knowledge, difficulties connecting with people, difficulties concentrating, continuing, or sustaining pace, as well as difficulties adapting or managing oneself.
Proving Your Disability As Per SSA Requires
- Your disability prevents you from engaging in the same work you were doing before becoming disabled.
- Your condition prevents you from engaging in any other “substantial gainful activity” or other job.
- Your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or is terminal in nature.
- If you have the ability to work to some extent, your condition restricts you from earning more than $1,470 per month.
The SSDI Benefit Group team of skilled disability advocates has produced a comprehensive list of ailments and disorders recognized by the SSA. Also, find explanations of the standard constraints and prerequisites required for each condition to be accepted.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Special Senses & Speech
Respiratory Disorders
Cardiovascular System
Digestive System
Genitourinary Disorders
Hematological Disorders
Skin Disorders
Endocrine Disorders
Congenital Disorders
Neurological Disorders
Mental Disorders
Cancer
Immune System Disorders
Physical Injuries
What if Your Medical Condition is not on the List?
The SSA Blue Book cannot feasibly encompass an exhaustive list of all potential medical conditions and illnesses that might manifest as long-term disabilities. Notably, many common impairing conditions like diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia, though significant impairments, are not featured as listed impairments in the Blue Book but they can still be approved. However, when your medical condition isn’t explicitly mentioned, it becomes crucial to align with the SSA’s established criteria for determining disability, as outlined above.
Furthermore, it is imperative to establish that your condition holds comparable severity to those outlined in the Blue Book. The ensuing general guidelines are of significance:
- Your health condition should be an identifiable medical impairment, substantiated by clinical documentation.
- Your medical condition ought to curtail your residual functional capacity—indicative of the most demanding task achievable considering your health—and your level of exertion to an extent that impedes your ability to carry out your previous occupation or any alternate employment.
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