In order to successfully apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’ll need to demonstrate that one or more of your medical conditions rises to the level of a “severe impairment” that will prevent you from sustaining work.
Many people wonder if one or more of the medical conditions they have will qualify them for benefits. On this page, we have links to an ever-growing library of articles on various medical conditions that can help you understand how these conditions may be evaluated by the Social Security Administration.
Information You Can Use
You can scroll down the page to see a list of in-depth articles on medical conditions and how they relate to Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Check back often, as more articles are added on a regular basis.
You may also be interested in learning about “The Blue Book.” The Blue Book, also known as “Disability Evaluation Under Social Security,” is the manual that the SSA uses to evaluate medical conditions to determine disability; it has a myriad of listings of medical conditions and highly detailed criteria.
Please note (and not many people realize this) that you do not necessarily need to meet the exact criteria listed in The Blue Book to qualify for SSDI or SSI. Our articles on the Sequential Evaluation Process can explain this in more detail.
Articles on Medical Conditions:
Alzheimer’s Disease and Social Security Disability Benefits
Does Alzheimer's Disease qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits? People considering applying for SSDI benefits can find out here.
Ankylosing Spondylitis and Social Security Disability Benefits
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits? People considering applying for SSDI benefits can find out here.
Anxiety and Social Security Disability Benefits
Does Anxiety (and related disorders) qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits? People considering applying for SSDI benefits can find out here.
Arthritis and Social Security Disability Benefits
Does Arthritis qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits? People considering applying for SSDI benefits can find out here.
Asthma and Social Security Disability Benefits
Does Asthma qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits? People considering applying for SSDI benefits can find out here.
Back Pain and Social Security Disability Benefits
Does chronic back pain qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits? People considering applying for SSDI benefits can find out here.
Bipolar Disorder and Social Security Disability Benefits
Does Bipolar Disorder qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits? People considering applying for SSDI benefits can find out here.
Can Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) Qualify for SSDI Benefits?
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is most commonly a progressive development that occurs naturally and gradually as you age. But can it qualify a person for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits?
Can Hepatitis C Qualify Me for SSDI Disability Benefits?
Hepatitis C is a serious, but often curable, disease can cause severe damage to the liver and result in death if left untreated or undiagnosed. Can it qualify a person for SSDI disability benefits? Find out here!
Can Herniated Discs Qualify for SSDI Benefits?
A herniated disc, also known as a "ruptured disc" or "slipped disc," is a type of spinal injury that can be quite painful indeed - but can it qualify a person for SSDI benefits?
Can High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Qualify for SSDI Benefits?
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) is often referred to as the “silent killer.” But can it qualify a person for monthly Social Security Disability Insurance benefits?
Can Huntington’s Disease Qualify for Monthly SSDI Benefits?
Because Huntington's Disease is such a serious condition, it may qualify an SSDI applicant for a "compassionate allowance," which can speed up the application process dramatically.
Can Joint and Muscle Injuries Qualify for SSDI Benefits?
Joint and muscle injuries can occur to anyone at any age, however such injuries are more common as you get older due to natural wear and tear. Can they qualify for monthly SSDI benefits?
Cancer and Social Security Disability Benefits
Does cancer qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits? People considering applying for SSDI benefits can find out here.
Congestive Heart Failure and Social Security Disability Benefits
Does Congestive Heart Failure qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits? People considering applying for SSDI benefits can find out here.
Depression and Social Security Disability
Millions of Americans suffer from the effects of chronic depression. When these symptoms result in significant limitations in the ability to perform daily and work activities, the Social Security Administration may find that you qualify for disability benefits.
Do Migraines & Chronic Headaches Count as an Impairment for SSDI?
Migraine headaches are estimated to impact nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population, about 36 million people. While migraines are one of many serious conditions that are not specifically “listed” by the Social Security Administration, there is a chance of qualifying.
Does Diabetes Qualify for Monthly SSDI Disability Benefits?
In the United States, roughly 1 out of every 10 individuals is living with Diabetes. While the Social Security Administration does list Diabetes as an impairment, the mere diagnosis of diabetes is not enough to qualify - there's more to qualifying than just having the diagnosis.
Does Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) Qualify for SSDI Benefits?
Multiple chemical sensitivities (also known as MCS, and sometimes as “sick building syndrome”) may qualify a person for SSDI benefits, but it's complicated.
Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Qualify as a Disability for SSDI?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects roughly 1.5 million people in the US - but can it qualify as a disability, allowing a person to get monthly SSDI benefits?
Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Qualify as a Disability for SSDI?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects roughly 1.5 million people in the US - but does it qualify as a disability, allowing people to get monthly SSDI benefits?
Emphysema, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Disability
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive (worsening) disease that makes it hard to breathe. COPD can qualify you for disability benefits, but it's not necessarily an automatic approval.
Fibromyalgia and Social Security Disability
While the SSA does not include fibromyalgia in the impairment listing manual, those suffering from fibromyalgia can still qualify for disability if the effects are severe enough, assuming all other eligibility requirements are met.
Intellectual Disability, Cognitive Disorders & SSDI
Intellectual Disability (ID) is a mental condition characterized by low intellectual functioning, and it can be caused by a disease, an injury, or a problem in the brain; for many people, the exact cause is unknown. About 6.5 million Americans are affected by this condition.
Lupus and Social Security Disability
Lupus is a painful and often disabling auto-immune disease that causes inflammation, and it is listed in section 14.02 of the Social Security Administration's listing of impairments, although a diagnosis doesn't guarantee qualification.
Parkinson’s Disease and Social Security Disability
Does Parkinson's Disease qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits? People considering applying for SSDI benefits can find out here.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and Disability Benefits
The SSA does not have a specific listing for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) but you may still qualify for disability benefits.
Important Information About Disabilities & The Sequential Evaluation Process
The Sequential Evaluation Process – Overview
Step 1 – Substantial Gainful Activity
Step 2 – Severe Impairments
Step 3- Meeting or Equaling a Listing
Step 4 – Past Relevant Work
Step 5 – The Disability Grid Rules & Other Types of Work
Other Helpful Information
What Is The SSDI Compassionate Allowance?
What is the SSA’s “Blue Book” (Adult Listings of Medical Conditions)?
The Importance of Medical Professionals in Your Application
Getting A Medical Source Statement from Your Doctors
Getting Alternative Evidence for Your Disability
See the SSA’s “Disability Evaluation Under Social Security” Listing of Impairments (Adult)
