A female social worker holding a clipboard while talking to a man in a wheelchair

What Medical Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability?

Suffering from a disability that interferes with your ability to work can be discouraging and stressful. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may be an option to provide financial assistance, but there are strict criteria that must be met to qualify. If you’re considering applying for benefits or your claim has been denied, the Social Security Disability lawyers at Nappa, Monterosso, & Poznansky, LLP, can help. Our SSDI attorneys in the greater NYC area understand what medical conditions qualify for Social Security Disability. We can evaluate your case and advise you of your options, and help you find the best path forward.

Medical Conditions That Qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance

The Social Security Administration (SSA)’s Blue Book outlines the medical conditions and criteria required to qualify for SSDI. The list of conditions in the Blue Book is extensive, but there are general categories that your condition or disability may fall under, including:

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders cover a wide range of conditions that affect the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain from back injuries may meet Social Security Disability requirements if they significantly limit your ability to work.

Cardiovascular Conditions

Serious cardiovascular conditions such as congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and chronic heart failure may qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits. The seriousness of your condition, its impact on your daily activities, and the prescribed treatment are crucial factors in determining SSDI eligibility.

Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, and conditions caused by asbestos exposure can lead to debilitating symptoms that affect a person’s ability to work. Typically, to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, these conditions must be severe and persistent.

Neurological Disorders

Multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological disorders may qualify you for SSDI benefits if they result in significant limitations on your ability to perform daily activities and work-related tasks.

Cancer

People with certain cancers may be eligible for SSDI benefits. To determine whether someone qualifies, the SSA evaluates the severity of the cancer, the impact of treatment, and any resulting functional limitations.

Immune System Disorders

Conditions such as lupus, HIV/AIDS, and rheumatoid arthritis may qualify you for SSDI benefits if they significantly impair your ability to function and perform work-related activities.

Digestive System Disorders

Severe digestive system disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and liver disease can be debilitating. If you suffer from one of these disorders, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits if it substantially hinders your ability to work.

Mental Health Conditions

Depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are common mental health conditions that may qualify someone for SSDI. To be eligible, you must show that your condition prevents you from maintaining gainful employment and that it has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months.

How a Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help

Whether you need help with your Social Security Disability application or require assistance appealing an SSDI denial, an experienced attorney can help you navigate these complicated processes. Our attorneys can assess your case to determine whether your medical condition qualifies you for Social Security Disability benefits. They also will look at your work history and other relevant factors, such as how long you’ve been suffering from your condition and how it’s affected your life and ability to work.

A Social Security Disability attorney can work with you to gather and organize important medical records and other evidence that supports your disability claim. They also can help you complete the necessary paperwork accurately and ensure all relevant information is included.

Social Security Disability law is complex. Regulations and requirements change quite often. If you’ve suffered a workplace injury, it’s important to have a lawyer who understands how workers’ compensation benefits may affect your Social Security Disability eligibility. A supportive, experienced SSDI lawyer like the attorneys at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, can help you every step of the way and increase your chance of a successful outcome.

Contact a Social Security Disability Attorney in the Greater NYC Area

At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our Social Security Disability attorneys are dedicated to serving injured workers and SSDI applicants in the greater NYC area. Attorney and partner Rolando Cubela provides our Spanish-speaking clients with quality legal representation. To schedule a free consultation with a Social Security Disability lawyer in the greater New York City area, call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us online.

Scroll to Top