Cardiovascular Conditions

Cardiovascular diseases affect the heart and blood vessels, making them one of the leading causes of disability. Some conditions that qualify for disability benefits under this category include:

• Heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Chronic heart disease
• Angina (chest pain)

To qualify for disability benefits, these conditions must severely limit your ability to perform work-related tasks and require continuous medical treatment.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Many musculoskeletal disorders, which affect the bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues, can qualify for SSDI or SSI. Some common musculoskeletal conditions that may qualify for disability include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Back disorders
• Degenerative disc disease
• Chronic joint pain

The severity of these conditions often depends on the degree of pain, limitation of motion, and disability in the affected areas.

Neurological Conditions

Neurological disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves can qualify you for disability benefits if they prevent you from working. Some qualifying neurological conditions include:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Epilepsy (seizure disorders)
• Stroke
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

If your neurological condition significantly impairs your ability to perform basic work activities, you may be eligible for benefits.

Mental Health Disorders

Mental health conditions are recognized by the SSA as valid reasons for applying for disability benefits. Some mental health disorders that qualify for disability include:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

To qualify, these mental health conditions must be severe enough to interfere with your ability to perform work or manage daily life. You’ll need to provide medical evidence from a licensed mental health professional to demonstrate the severity of your condition.

Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory conditions that interfere with your ability to breathe and perform physical tasks may also qualify you for disability benefits. Some respiratory conditions include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Cystic fibrosis

If these conditions result in significant breathing difficulties that prevent you from working, you may meet the SSA’s requirements for disability.

Cancer

Cancer is often eligible for disability benefits, especially when the condition is advanced or requires ongoing treatment. The SSA has a Listing of Impairments that includes several types of cancer, such as:

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer

If your cancer is severe and limits your ability to work, you may qualify for disability benefits, particularly if you are undergoing treatment like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease and kidney failure are recognized by the SSA as conditions that may qualify you for disability benefits. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is particularly likely to qualify if you require dialysis or have received a kidney transplant.

Diabetes

If you have diabetes that results in complications severe enough to interfere with your ability to work, you may qualify for disability benefits. The SSA takes into account conditions such as:

• Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Diabetic retinopathy (vision loss)
• Kidney damage due to diabetes

Diabetes can qualify you for benefits if it results in significant functional limitations that affect your daily activities.

Autoimmune Diseases

Certain autoimmune diseases, where the body attacks its own tissues, may qualify you for disability benefits. Some examples include:

• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Celiac disease

These diseases can severely affect your quality of life and work capacity, especially if the symptoms are severe and require long-term management.

Infectious Diseases

Certain infectious diseases that result in long-term symptoms or complications may qualify for disability benefits. Some examples include:

• HIV/AIDS
• Tuberculosis
• Chronic viral infections

If these conditions lead to significant health problems or if you are undergoing ongoing treatment, you may be eligible for disability benefits.