SSD is known as Social Security Disability and its benefits are paid to people that have a long-term medical condition or people that are expected to result in death that disallows them from working. The condition of the person filing the claim has determines the qualifications that the Social Security Administration (SSA) puts on SSD. The ability to obtain and maintain gainful employment is based on the medical condition reported.
The conditions that qualify for SSD are considered “all or nothing”, meaning that you must be completely disabled by your medical condition in order to qualify. There are other programs, like the Veterans’ Affairs System that will cover disability payments for various levels of disability. It is recommended that you obtain a disability attorney or advocate to help walk you through the process and help determine what you may qualify for.
There is a manual known as the Blue Book which the SSA uses and the lists of medical conditions that can qualify you for SSD are written here. Under the Compassionate Allowances Program that will allow the claimant to be approved for SSD almost immediately, there are 88 conditions covered. These conditions tend to be more severe and life-threatening than others. Some of the main medical conditions that can qualify for SSD are reviewed below.
Digestive System
Digestive condition or disease is any health issue that happens in the digestive system and some of them are:
- Cirrhosis
- Colon Cancer
- Diverticulitis
- GERD
- Hepatitis
- Liver Disease
- Bowel Incontinence
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcers
- Wilson’s Disease
Cardiovascular System
Any dysfunction that is related to the heart is known as the cardiovascular system and some of them include:
- Artery Disease
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Heart Failure
- Heart Valve Disorder
- Hypertension
- High Cholesterol
- Raynaud’s Disease
- Ischemic Heart Disease
Hematological Disorders
This category has to do with any dysfunction that as to o with the blood or organs that works with the blood. Hematological disorders include:
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Chronic Anemia
- Gilbert’s Syndrome
- Chronic Liver Disease
- Liver Transplants
Genitourinary Impairments
Disorders relating to urinary or genital organs fall under this category and some of them include:
- Kidney Failure
- Kidney Transplant
- Nephrotic Syndrome
- Interstitial Cystitis
Endocrine System
Those disorders that affect the bone and the development of tissues, reproduction and heartbeats falls in this category and some of them are listed below:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Grave’s Disease
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia
- Pancreatitis
- Thyroid Gland Disorders
Immune System Disorders
When a condition causes the body to attack its own tissues or decreases the body’s ability to fight infection, they are considered immune system disorders. These can include:
- Lupus
- HIV
- Epstein Barr Virus
- Scleroderma
- Guillain Barre Syndrome
Malignant Neoplastic Diseases
This category describes medical conditions stemming from cancer and tumors. These can include:
- Cancer
- Leukemia
- Breast Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Fallopian Tube Cancer
- Lymphedema
- Lung Cancer
- Brain Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
Mental Disorders
Mental disorders will affect your thinking and behavior. These can include:
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Mood Disorders
- Panic Attacks
- PTSD
- Anorexia
- Schizophrenia
Multiple Body System Impairments
Impairments that can affect multiple body systems can include:
- Dwarfism
- Trisomy X
- Chronic Insomnia
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Down Syndrome
Neurological Problems
Any diseases affecting the brain, nerves and spine is known as a neurological problem and some of them are listed below:
- CeMeuralgia
- ALS
- Polio
- Epilepsy
- Stroke
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Parkinson’s
Musculoskeletal Problems
These disorders describe pain or injury to the neck, back, nerves, tendons, limbs and joints fall under here and some of them are:
- Amputation
- Bone Spurs
- Fibromyalgia
- Back Pain
- Club Foot
- Neck Pain
- Scoliosis
- Paralysis
- Whiplash
- Shoulder Pain
Skin Disorders
When there is a condition that can cause the skin to become chronically inflamed or irritated, it falls under this category. Some of them include:
- Psoriasis
- Burns
- Cellulitis
- Dermatitis
Respiratory System
Diseases that affect the lungs and respiratory system fall into this category. These can include:
- Asthma
- Emphysema
- Lung Transplant
- Sarcoidosis
- COPD
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Sleep Apnea
Speech and Special Systems
Difficulty or voice problems falls in this category and they include:
- Vision Loss
- Loss of Speech
- Acoustic Neuroma
- Meniere’s Disease
- Macular Degeneration