When a serious medical issue keeps you from working, Social Security Disability benefits may help. But not every illness or injury will qualify. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict rules for what counts as a disability. Below are the most common medical conditions that may qualify, how the SSA decides who gets benefits, and what you can do to improve your chances.
What Counts as a Disability?
The SSA says you must have a condition that:
- Stops you from doing meaningful work (called “substantial gainful activity” or SGA)
- Has lasted or will last at least 12 months
- Is expected to lead to death in some cases
Temporary injuries or short-term illnesses usually do not count. You also need strong medical evidence that proves your condition meets these rules.
What Is the SSA Blue Book?
The SSA uses a guide called the Blue Book to decide which medical conditions qualify. This book lists the requirements for different health problems. If your condition matches a listing in the Blue Book, and you have the medical proof to back it up, you have a better chance of being approved.
Even if your condition is not listed, you might still qualify based on your symptoms, work limitations, and overall health.
10 Common Conditions That May Qualify for SSD
Here are 10 groups of conditions that often qualify for Social Security Disability:
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders
These include back injuries, joint problems, arthritis, scoliosis, and other conditions that affect bones, muscles, and joints. If your pain, limited movement, or weakness keeps you from standing, walking, or lifting, you may qualify.
2. Cardiovascular Conditions
Heart disease, chronic heart failure, and arrhythmias can limit your ability to work. The SSA looks at symptoms, hospital stays, test results, and how your heart condition affects your daily life.
3. Mental Health Disorders
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia may qualify if they cause serious limits in memory, focus, social skills, or stress tolerance. The SSA checks treatment history, psychiatric evaluations, and how the condition affects your functioning.
4. Neurological Disorders
Conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and stroke-related damage may qualify. Frequent seizures, muscle control problems, or speech issues can all interfere with work.
5. Respiratory Disorders
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, and lung damage can all make it hard to breathe, especially while working. Test results like spirometry and oxygen levels are often required.
6. Cancer
Some cancers—especially late-stage or fast-spreading types—may qualify. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can also cause severe side effects that limit your ability to work.
7. Diabetes and Its Complications
Diabetes alone may not qualify, but if it causes vision problems, kidney failure, nerve damage, or circulation issues, you may be eligible. Consistent medical care and documentation are key.
8. Kidney Disease
If you are on dialysis or waiting for a kidney transplant, you may qualify under SSA rules. Medical test results, doctor notes, and treatment history will be reviewed.
9. Immune System Disorders
HIV/AIDS, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis are examples of conditions that affect your immune system. These can cause fatigue, pain, and weakness, making it hard to work full-time.
10. Vision and Hearing Loss
Complete or severe loss of sight or hearing—especially if not fixable with aids like glasses or hearing devices—may qualify. The SSA uses specific tests to measure the level of loss.
How the SSA Decides If You Qualify
The SSA uses a 5-step process to decide if you qualify:
- Are you working and earning above the allowed amount?
- Is your condition “severe” and lasting at least 12 months?
- Does your condition match a Blue Book listing?
- Can you still do your past work?
- Can you do any other kind of work based on your age, education, and skills?
If the SSA finds you can still do simple jobs, you might be denied—even with a serious diagnosis.
What Happens If Your Condition Isn’t Listed?
You can still qualify even if your condition doesn’t appear in the Blue Book. The SSA will use something called a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. This looks at what you can still do, like sitting, walking, lifting, or remembering things.
Your doctor’s input, test results, and daily activity limits will all be part of this evaluation.
Fast-Track Options for Certain Conditions
Some conditions qualify for quicker decisions:
- Compassionate Allowances: Over 250 serious conditions (like ALS or pancreatic cancer) get fast-tracked automatically.
- Presumptive Disability: You may get benefits for up to six months while the SSA makes a final decision.
- Terminal Illness Cases: These are given top priority and usually move quickly.
Why People Get Denied
Even with a real condition, many people get denied. Some common reasons include:
- Not enough medical records
- Missing appointments
- Not following your doctor’s treatment plan
- Working too much or making too much money
- Not meeting the 12-month rule
What You Can Do to Help Your Case
- See your doctor regularly and follow the treatment plan
- Keep a detailed list of symptoms and how they affect your day
- Ask your doctor to fill out special forms showing what you can and can’t do
- Make sure your medical records are updated and complete
- If denied, consider filing an appeal instead of starting over
Talk to a Disability Lawyer in Los Angeles
Filing for disability can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with pain or health problems. A workers’ comp lawyer who knows how the Social Security system works can help you apply, gather the right documents, and appeal if needed.
Hinden & Breslavsky helps people across Los Angeles who can’t work due to illness or injury. Call (323) 954-1800 today for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless you win your case.