Understanding Social Security Disability Qualifying Conditions Is Difficult
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, disabled individuals must meet a number of requirements in a variety of areas. While Social Security Disability benefits provide support to people who are unable to work because they suffer from disabling mental, physical or developmental conditions, qualifying for benefits can be challenging even for people with highly debilitating conditions. Because the Social Security Administration has such strict qualification guidelines, even people with severe impairments often have their claims denied if the impairments are not social security disability conditions.
Social Security Disability Insurance Medical Listings
Medical listings are a framework Social Security utilizes to evaluate your disability claim
medical listings
SSDI and SSI Impairment Categories or Medical Listings
Listing 1.00 Musculoskeletal System DisordersListing 2.00 Special Senses & SpeechListing 3.00 Respiratory System DisordersListing 4.00 Cardiovascular System DisordersListing 5.00 Digestive System DisordersListing 6.00 Genitourinary ImpairmentsListing 7.00 Hematological DisordersListing 8.00 Listing 9.00 Endocrine DisordersListing 10.00 Impairments That Affect Multiple Body SystemsListing 11.00 Neurological DisordersListing 12.00 Mental DisordersListing 13.00 Malignant Neoplastic DiseasesListing 14.00 Immune System Disorders
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About Citizens Disability Llc:
Since 2010, Citizens Disability has been Americas premier Social Security Disability institution. Our services include helping people in applying for SSDI benefits, managing the process through Reconsideration, and representing people in person at their Hearing, and if necessary, bringing their case to the Appeals Council. Our mission is to give a voice to the millions of Americans who are disabled and unable to work, helping them receive the Social Security Disability benefits to which they may be entitled. Learn more about us and disability benefits like SSDI & SSI or give us a call 492-3260.
Citizens Disability is committed to helping keep people safe from fraud. We will never ask for personal details to start an SSDI application over Facebook or social media. We will only ask for certain details, in private messages, to confirm the identity of a client in a customer service situation. The only way to begin an SSDI application with us is on the phone, through a number found on our website, or one of our clearly-marked advertisements. Please keep your personal details safe, don’t share them in a public forum, or with individuals who solicit your information.
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Social Security Disability Qualifying Conditions Vision Loss
The Social Security Administration considers people with total vision loss disabled. Individuals with other visual impairments are not eligible unless their conditions worsen into statutory blindness. People with total vision loss will receive benefits if they meet non-medical criteria when applying for SSD benefits. Individuals with limited remaining vision may still meet the definition of blindness or otherwise qualify for benefits.
Medical Criteria
The SSA may consider the following conditions disabling:
- Statutory blindness- If corrected vision in the better eye is 20/200 or less, the individual is considered legally blind. Visual field contraction to an angle of 20 degrees or less in the better eye also constitutes statutory blindness.
- Poor visual efficiency- The SSA includes visual efficiency as a recognized impairment in the Blue Book. Efficiency less than 20 percent is automatically considered disabling, as is a visual impairment value greater than 1.00.
- Low vision- People who do not meet the above criteria can still qualify for benefits through a medical-vocational allowance. The SSA will evaluate the persons ability to work despite the vision impairment before awarding benefits.
Hepatitis C & Liver Disease
Hepatitis C is an infectious virus that causes the liver to swell and scar. Overtime, hepatitis infections can lead to liver disease, liver cancer or liver failure. Youll have to show that the symptoms of hepatitis B virus or C or the side effects of medication reduce your ability to work.
4. Chronic viral hepatitis infections.
a. General.
Chronic viral hepatitis infections are commonly caused by hepatitis C virus , and to a lesser extent, hepatitis B virus . Usually, these are slowly progressive disorders that persist over many years during which the symptoms and signs are typically nonspecific, intermittent, and mild . Laboratory findings and complications are generally similar in HCV and HBV. The spectrum of these chronic viral hepatitis infections ranges widely and includes an asymptomatic state insidious disease with mild to moderate symptoms associated with fluctuating liver tests extrahepatic manifestations cirrhosis, both compensated and decompensated ESLD with the need for liver transplantation and liver cancer. Treatment for chronic viral hepatitis infections varies considerably based on medication tolerance, treatment response, adverse effects of treatment, and duration of the treatment. Comorbid disorders, such as HIV infection, may accelerate the clinical course of viral hepatitis infection or may result in a poorer response to medical treatment.
b. Chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
c. Chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
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How Can You Use The Blue Book To Help Your Claim
If you think that you have one of the impairments listed in the Blue Book, read our article on the severity criteria for the particular listing, and then consult your doctor for help in documenting whether your impairment is severe enough to meet or equal one of the listings. For example, if you have not had some of the laboratory tests required by the listing, you should arrange to have them performed. Generally, the SSA requires quite a bit of medical evidence to decide if your impairment is as severe as one listed in the Blue Book. The more medical evidence you can provide to the SSA, the better your chances of being qualified for disability benefits.
You could be eligible for up to $3,345 per month In SSDI Benefits
The Listings Of Impairments For Social Security Disability
When the topic of Social Security disability is brought up there are a lot of different words that can be used to describe it, but possibly the most common word is confused.
The Social Security disability process is not easily understood, not only for novices, but also for veterans who work in the field every day.
Social Security has its Listing of Impairments in which it evaluates whether someone is disabled under its rules and entitled to benefits. It is not enough to simply be diagnosed with one of these impairments, but an applicant must also meet certain limitations as defined by the listings themselves.
The listings for adult impairments fall under 14 different categories. These categories are as follow:
1.0 Musculoskeletal System
2.0 Special Senses and Speech
3.0 Respiratory System
10.0 Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems
11.0 Neurological
13.0 Malignant Neoplastic Diseases
14.0 Immune System Disorders
This is how Social Security categorizes the different impairments people may suffer from. Each of these categories has multiple, specific diagnoses, but not only that, the listings also contain how these specific diagnoses limit the functioning of someone who suffers from the impairment.
For more details about Social Securitys listing of impairments click here.
SSDI & SSI Information
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Children And Disability Benefits
Children are eligible to receive cash payments for disabilities under the SSI program. The eligibility criteria for children includes financial benchmarks based on the income of the parents or legal guardians, and medical standards regarding the childs disability or impairment.
for a complete list of child impairment listings covered by SSI.
What Medical Conditions Qualify For Social Security Disability
There are numerous conditions that are considered disabilities and can qualify for Social Security disability benefits, some of the more common conditions that qualify for disability include musculoskeletal disorders such as degenerative disc disease, advanced stages of cancer, respiratory conditions such as COPD, stroke and heart failure.
There are thousands of conditions that qualifies someone for disability. In order to for your condition to qualify for disability, it needs to match a listing in the SSAs Blue Book, which is the list of conditions and the criteria its needs in order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Each condition in the SSAs Blue Book will tell you exactly what is needed and what the SSA looks for when they are evaluating that condition for disability.
When the SSA is evaluating your application to see if your condition qualifies for disability, it will look at medical evidence such as x-rays, MRIs and doctors notes to see if your condition is so severe that you will no longer be able to work for at least twelve months.
If your disability meets the criteria of that listing, the SSA will deem you disabled and you will be able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
What medical conditions qualify for Social Security disability? Conditions that qualify for SSDI and SSI include:
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Social Security Disability Qualifying Conditions Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a set of minerals that occur naturally in the form of fiber bundles. Today, asbestos is recognized as a health hazard and closely regulated. However, asbestos has been used in various products, and exposure can still occur. This risk is especially high among construction and shipyard workers.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, no level of asbestos exposure is safe. Each incidence of exposure can cause lung disease or scarring, which can lead to difficulty breathing. Exposure over just a few days can cause mesothelioma. Given these serious health effects, asbestos exposure victims frequently may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
Medical Criteria
The Social Security Administration considers many asbestos-related diseases disabling. These diseases are listed in the Blue Book of impairments. Individuals who suffer from listed conditions automatically qualify for benefits on a medical level. The following lung conditions appear in the Blue Book:
- Malignant mesothelioma. This cancer is considered disabling if victims document mesothelioma of the pleura or mediastinum tumors that treatment cannot control.
- Lung cancer. The listing includes small-cell carcinoma, severe cases of non-small cell carcinoma and certain cases of superior sulcus cancer.
- Pulmonary insufficiency. The SSA uses lung capacity tests to determine whether asbestosis or other lung-restricting diseases qualify as disabling.
What If My Condition Isn’t Listed
It’s crucial to remember that your disability does not have to be on the SSA’s list if you wish to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. You must, however, provide the SSA with a documented diagnosis of your disease that demonstrates it is a “medically determinable disability” that stops you from working and operating on a daily basis. This means that your condition must be serious enough to prevent you from working or carrying out your daily tasks. The term “residual functional capacity” refers to this capacity loss.
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Different Types Of Disabilities
Paul Baker Law Office handles SSDI claims involving a number of different disabilities. Some of the most common types of impairments our firm has dealt with include:
The criteria in the SSA Blue Books Listing of Impairments applies to just one facet of the multi-step sequential evaluation process for SSDI. Yet the presence of an impairment listed here may sufficiently establish an individuals disability if the person is unable to work. The absence of a listing-level impairment does not exclude someone from filing an SSDI claim, however.
What Evidence Do You Need To Prove You Meet The Blue Book Listing
Almost all the listings in the Blue Book require objective medical data and test results to prove you meet the listing. The SSA places great emphasis on the existence of laboratory findings such as x-rays, MRIs , blood tests, exercise tests, and psychological tests when reviewing your disability claim.
The Blue Book also includes medical requirements that can’t be measured scientifically. For example, with most mental impairments, you’ll need to provide evidence of “marked” limitations in the areas of:
- interactions with others
- performing daily tasks , and/or
- being able to focus on and complete tasks.
You’ll need to show that your condition significantly interferes with your ability to functionâmaking it impossible for you to work full time. But the definitions aren’t precise, and therefore leave some wiggle room when arguing whether you meet a disability listing.
To determine whether you have significant problems with your daily functioning, the SSA will rely heavily on the medical chart notes. This includes notes from your doctor and other healthcare providers with whom you have an ongoing relationship or a doctor/psychiatrist who performs a one-time consultative examination .
Quite often medical experts will disagree with each other on whether you meet a listing. If this happens, and the SSA denies your disability claim, you can and should appeal the denial.
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Social Security Disability Qualifying Conditions Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning is caused when lead builds up in the body over an extended period of time. Lead poisoning can be caused by even small amounts of lead, and children under the age of six are most susceptible to the dangers of lead poisoning because their bodies are still developing.
Medical Criteria
Lead poisoning can lead to a number of developmental problems and medical conditions, including:
- brain damage or mental illness
- severe exposures can result in death.
Lead poisoning can be diagnosed through a simple blood test, and all children from 6 months through 6 years of age are required to be tested when they enter daycare, preschool, or kindergarten.
In severe cases of lead poisoning, the childs family may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income . The application process for obtaining SSI benefits can be complex, time-consuming, and confusing. For these reasons, consulting with an experienced disability attorney before pursuing a claim for Social Security disability benefits can be beneficial.
Our Ssdi Attorneys Can Help
The SSAs Listing of Impairments is a detailed, complicated document. It is very difficult for a non-medical person to understand all of the requirements for qualification included here. When you work with one of Keller & Kellers Social Security disability attorneys, however, you will get the help you need to determine your eligibility and secure the evidence you need so that your application is accepted the first time. Call our Albuquerque office to schedule a free consultation today.
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Medical Equivalence: What If You Don’t Meet The Blue Book Listing
When you don’t meet all of the medical criteria specified in a disability listing, you still could argue that you’re disabled based on medical “equivalence.” You’ll need to prove that your impairment has the same level of severity and lasts as long as a particular Blue Book listing, even though it doesn’t match the criteria exactly.
At the initial application stage, the SSA’s medical and psychological consultants will review your disability claim and give an opinion as to whether your medical condition meets or equals a listing. This is the first step in the SSA disability process, where it’s common for claims to be denied. If your claim is denied at this stage, you should appeal.
At the disability appeal hearing level, an administrative law judge will decide if your impairment equals a listing or if you qualify for a medical-vocational allowance. You’ll want to consult with a disability attorney to prepare your case ahead of the ALJ hearing.
Find Out If Your Impairment Is A Disabling Condition
So if you are looking to see if your condition will qualify you for SSD benefits, check the Social Security List of Impairments and dont forget to check the Compassionate Allowance listing as well to see if you automatically qualify.
If youre not sure your best course of action, think about consulting a disability attorney to help with your case. If thats an option for you, find out what a disability attorney can do first, as its not always necessary.
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How To Qualify For Disability Benefits
In order to apply for Social Security Disability Benefits, you must first have worked in the US. You also must have a medical disorder that fits the Social Security criteria of disability. In addition, you must be expected to be out of work for a year or longer.
The amount of job credits that you need when applying for SSDI depends on your age before you become ill. Generally, you require 40 credits, 20 of which have been obtained in the last 10 years of the year you became disabled. However, younger employees could be eligible with fewer credits.
Benefits normally continue until you are able to work on a daily basis again. There are also a set of special laws, named ‘working incentives,’ which allows you to continue receiving benefits and health care services to help you make the transition back to work.
If you receive Social Security Disability Payments before you reach maximum retirement age, the disability benefits will automatically be converted to retirement benefits, but the payment will remain the same.
Does Your Condition Equal A Listing
If your impairment doesn’t match the requirements of the listing, the claims examiner will determine if your impairments can be considered equivalent to a similar listing, in terms of severity. The SSA allows you to “equal” a listing because it can’t include every form or variant of a severe disability in its impairment listings. The SSA also recognizes that there are various ways to diagnose and document the same illness. For instance, the listing might require a specific result on a specific lab test, and you weren’t given that test, but you did take a test that shows the same results as the test required by the listing.Another way to equal a listing is by having a combination of impairments that by themselves aren’t severe enough to meet a specific listing, but combined, their severity equals that of a listed impairment. If the SSA says your impairments are equal to those in the disability listings, you’ll be medically qualified for disability benefits. If you have to appeal an initial denial of benefits, and you want to argue that your condition is equal to a listed impairment, you’d probably benefit from hiring a disability lawyer who can help you build your case.Learn more about how to equal a disability listing.
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