There are many types of impairments that qualify individuals for Social Security disability, based on the conditions listed in the Social Security Administration’s impairment listing manual. These physical and mental impairments can allow workers to file a Social Security disability claim with a Social Security disability attorney.

Impairments Listed in the Blue Book

The SSA‘s listing manual, also referred to as the blue book, has been updated as of 2017 and includes the following:

  • cardiovascular conditions including coronary artery disease or heart failure
  • respiratory illnesses including asthma and COPD
  • speech and sense issues such as hearing and vision loss
  • musculoskeletal issues including back injuries
  • immune system disorders including HIV and AIDs, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus
  • neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy

?The list also includes mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, autism, retardation, and schizophrenia, along with syndromes such as Marfan Syndrome and Sjorgen’s Syndrome, skin disorders, digestive tract problems, cancer, kidney disease, and hematological disorders such as disorders of bone marrow failure and hemolytic anemias.

Medical Conditions Outside of the Blue Book

People filing for Social Security disability don’t necessarily need to have a condition that satisfies the exact blue book listing requirements for specific illnesses or conditions. Individuals can also receive benefits if Social Security considers certain aspects of the condition medically adherent to the to the criteria of the listing or a similar listing.

In some cases, people are eligible for disability benefits even if they don’t meet the criteria for the blue book listing, as long as the condition limits functionality to the point where working is impossible. The SSA will review the circumstances of the condition as well as the ability for the individual to perform daily activities and work, before determining if the individual is still capable of working safely in any capacity.

For instance, migraine headaches don’t appear in the blue book listing, but if a claimant’s migraines are bad enough to prevent him or her from working, with sufficient documentation to prove the troubles the condition has caused, the individual may still be able to receive benefits. However, the condition must be considered a medically determinable impairment.

Individuals who believe that they are qualified for Social Security disability can gather all of the documentation necessary to prove their case, and can then work with a Social Security disability attorney to determine if they have a case.