Understanding the SSA’s Blue Book

The Blue Book categorizes disabilities into sections based on body systems and provides detailed medical criteria that must be met. If your condition matches a listing exactly, you may be approved for SSDI without the SSA needing to consider your work history or ability to perform other types of jobs.

However, meeting a listing doesn't guarantee approval. You'll need thorough medical documentation that clearly shows your diagnosis, symptoms, and limitations.

Examples of Disabilities That Commonly Qualify Automatically

Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Severe spinal disorders (e.g., nerve root compression, spinal stenosis)
• Major joint dysfunction (e.g., severe arthritis in the hips or knees)
• Amputations
• Fractures that don’t heal properly

Neurological Conditions

• Epilepsy (with frequent, uncontrolled seizures)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Parkinson’s disease

Mental Disorders

• Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Severe depression with documented limitations
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Intellectual disability (low IQ with adaptive functioning limitations)

Cardiovascular Conditions

• Chronic heart failure
• Ischemic heart disease
• Recurrent arrhythmias that don’t respond to treatment

Respiratory Disorders

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Severe asthma (requiring hospitalization or frequent treatment)

Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)

• Pancreatic, liver, brain, and esophageal cancers
• Certain aggressive breast cancers
• Leukemia and lymphoma

Immune System Disorders

• HIV/AIDS
• Lupus with organ involvement
• Rheumatoid arthritis with significant limitations
• Scleroderma

Medical Documentation Is Key

Even if your condition is listed in the Blue Book, the SSA requires extensive documentation, such as:

• Test results (X-rays, MRIs, lab work)
• Treatment histories
• Physician statements
• Functional limitations and symptoms

If your condition doesn’t meet a listing exactly, it may still “medically equal” a listed impairment and qualify you for benefits.