SSA's Definition of Disability

To qualify, your disability must:

• Be medically determinable (diagnosed by a doctor and supported by evidence)
• Last or be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA)

The SSA doesn’t provide benefits for partial or short-term disabilities, so your condition must be severe and long-term.

Common Disabilities That May Qualify

The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments, often referred to as the “Blue Book.” This list includes many conditions that automatically qualify if you meet the specific medical criteria.

Examples of qualifying disabilities include:

Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Severe back pain with spinal stenosis or herniated discs
• Joint disorders requiring surgery or causing immobility
• Amputations or fractures that don’t heal properly

Mental Health Conditions

• Depression or bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorders or PTSD
• Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
• Autism spectrum disorders

Cardiovascular Disorders

• Chronic heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Arrhythmias or heart transplants

Respiratory Conditions

• COPD or emphysema
• Asthma (with frequent hospitalizations)
• Cystic fibrosis or pulmonary fibrosis

Neurological Disorders

• Epilepsy (despite treatment)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Stroke with lasting effects

Immune System Disorders

• Lupus
• HIV/AIDS
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or colitis)

What If Your Disability Isn’t on the List?

Even if your condition isn’t in the SSA’s Blue Book, you may still qualify. The SSA will consider:

• How your condition affects your ability to work
• Whether your condition is equivalent in severity to a listed one
• If your combined symptoms or impairments prevent you from holding a job

You’ll need strong medical documentation to support your case.