The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two programs that are designed to provide benefits to disabled individuals: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To determine eligibility for either of these programs, the SSA will refer to its impairment listing manual (also known as the blue book) of medical conditions that will automatically qualify an individual for either SSDI or SSI benefits.
According to the SSA’s impairment listing manual for 2020, the following conditions are covered:
- Musculoskeletal problems, such as back injuries
- Cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure or coronary artery disease
- Senses and speech issues, such as vision and hearing loss
- Respiratory illnesses, such as COPD or asthma
- Neurological disorders, such as MS, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, or epilepsy
- Mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, autism, or intellectual disorder
- Immune system disorders, such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Various syndromes, such as Asperger’s Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Skin disorders, such as dermatitis
- Digestive tract problems, such as liver disease or IBD
- Kidney (renal) disease
- Cancer
- Hematological disorders, such as hemophilia and bone marrow disorders
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will need to see your medical records before deciding whether or not you qualify for benefits. The records should be from acceptable medical sources, which include licensed physicians, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, podiatrists, and optometrists. Make sure that you provide all of your records related to your disability claim.
Sometimes, the SSA will not be able to tell that you are disabled simply by reviewing your medical records. For this reason, it’s a good idea to provide them with written statements from your healthcare providers that describe your current condition in more detail. Explain why you are asking for the statement so your doctors know what information needs to be included. A strong statement will describe your current condition and then go into detail as to why and how it affects your ability to work.
If you are disabled, contact Armstrong & Vaught, P.L.C. at once. Let our attorneys guide you through the process of obtaining Social Security disability benefits. Call us at (918) 582-2500 or toll-free at (800) 722-8880 or complete the simple form below for a free consultation with a skilled attorney.