Medical Conditions that Qualify for Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability Insurance is a critical program that provides financial support to those unable to work due to serious medical conditions. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, our SSDI attorneys on Long Island are well-versed in navigating the complexities of Social Security Disability claims. For more than 30 years, we’ve helped workers in the greater NYC area get the benefits they need.
What Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability?
Known as the “Blue Book,” The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a comprehensive list of medical conditions that qualify for disability benefits. Some common SSDI conditions include:
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Conditions that affect the joints, bones, and connective tissues can lead to limited mobility and significantly impair a person’s ability to function. Some examples of musculoskeletal disorders that may qualify for SSDI benefits include:
- Arthritis
- Spinal disorders and injuries
- Non-healing or complex bone fractures
- Amputation of limbs
Visual Impairment and Hearing Loss
Disorders or injuries resulting in blindness or limited vision may qualify for SSDI. Hearing loss and speech disorders may also qualify if they meet the SSDI’s definition of a disability.
Respiratory Disorders
Respiratory impairments that obstruct or restrict lung function may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, including:
- Severe and persistent asthma
- Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
- Cystic fibrosis
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Respiratory failure
Cardiovascular Conditions
Heart and circulatory system disorders may qualify for SSDI if they severely restrict daily activities. This includes:
- Coronary artery disease
- Chronic heart failure
- Congenital heart defects
- Aneurysm
- Recurrent arrhythmias
Digestive Disorders
Digestive disorders that cause severe dysfunction of the liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract may be eligible for SSDI, including:
- Chronic liver disease
- Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhaging
- Intestinal failure
Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders can severely disrupt a person’s ability to work. Some qualifying conditions include:
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Traumatic brain injury(TBI)
Mental Health Disorders
Mental health disorders can be just as disabling as physical conditions. Some conditions that may qualify for SSDI include:
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Eating disorders
Cancer
Certain cancers may qualify for SSDI benefits, including:
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Cancers of the pancreas, liver, stomach, and kidneys
- Mesothelioma
- Thyroid cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Brain tumor
Different factors go into determining whether a cancer is eligible for SSDI benefits. Those with aggressive metastasis or a terminal prognosis are very likely to be approved.
Endocrine Disorders
Endocrine disorders may qualify you for SSDI benefits if they significantly impact other systems of the body, including:
- Diabetes
- Hypoglycemia
- Hyperglycemia
- Thyroid disorders that affect metabolic function
- Pituitary and adrenal gland disorders
Immune System Disorders
Immune disorders make it difficult to function and can result in chronic pain. Some immune system disorders that may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits include:
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- HIV/AIDS with associated complications
- Scleroderma
This is by no means an exhaustive list of medical conditions that qualify for Social Security disability. Our SSDI attorneys can evaluate your case and help you gather comprehensive evidence that demonstrates the severity of your condition and how it’s impacted your life.
Thorough Medical Documentation is Essential for a Successful SSDI Claim
Comprehensive medical evidence is vital to SSDI eligibility. Medical evidence helps the SSA assess the severity of your condition and how long it will last or whether it will end in death. This documentation typically includes:
- Hospital records, including surgeries, emergency room visits, and hospital admissions
- Physician notes, including progress notes and observations about how a condition impacts a patient’s daily life
- Diagnostic test and imaging results, such as blood work, biopsies, X-rays, and MRIs
- Mental health records, such as psychiatric evaluations and therapy notes
- Statements and assessments from treating physicians explaining what the applicant can do and how it limits their ability to work
Without adequate documentation and medical evidence, even severe impairments might be denied. Statements from loved ones, caregivers, and employers about how the condition has impacted the applicant’s daily life and ability to work can also provide valuable information to support your SSDI claim. Your SSDI attorney knows how to put it all together to give you the best chance of success.
Challenges in the SSDI Application Process
The majority of Social Security Disability applications are denied the first time. Common reasons for this include:
- Failure to meet work credit requirements
- Insufficient medical evidence
- Incomplete application
- Non-compliance with prescribed treatments
- Misinterpretation of the SSA’s disability criteria
Applying for Social Security Disability can be a confusing, complex process. Some requirements may be unclear to those unfamiliar with the SSI application. Errors or incomplete answers to questions can delay approval or result in an SSDI denial. In addition, keeping track of correspondence and navigating communications with the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be challenging.
It can take months to find out whether your application is approved. If denied, there is a specific, multi-step SSDI appeals process which can take more than a year. Our SSDI attorneys know that this can cause serious financial strain on you and your family. We’re here to help expedite the process as much as possible and help you reach a successful resolution.
How Our SSDI Lawyers Can Help
As native Long Islanders, our Security Disability attorneys and workers’ compensation lawyers are dedicated to serving injured workers throughout the greater New York City Area. We guide you through the complex SSDI claims process and advocate on your behalf. Whether you need assistance with a new application or SSDI denial and appeal, we use our knowledge and experience to help you obtain the benefits you need and deserve.
Preparing a Strong Application
Your attorney reviews your employment history and determines whether you have enough work credits to be eligible for SSDI benefits. They also gather and review your medical records to ensure your SSDI condition meets the SSA’s strict definition of a disability.
It’s vital that your application is accurate and free of errors. In addition to compiling your medical records, we gather and include employment information and any other required documents to support your Social Security Disability claim. Our SSDI lawyers understand the SSA’s specific requirements and know how to provide compelling information and answers in a way that supports your claim.
We ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and adheres to SSA guidelines, which helps minimize the risk of an SSDI denial due to clerical or technical errors. Dealing with the SSA can be time-consuming and stressful. Your SSDI attorney manages all communications with the SSA and ensures all clarifying documents are sent promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.
SSDI Appeals
If your initial claim is denied, your SSDI lawyer can help you appeal the SSA’s decision. They can gather additional evidence that supports your claim and addresses the reasons for the denial. If your application is rejected for reconsideration, you may then schedule a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Our Social Security Disability attorneys help you prepare hearing and represent your interests in the hearing. We’re well-versed in developing and presenting compelling arguments that back up your SSDI claim. We may work with and question medical or vocational experts who can provide critical information as well.
If the ALJ denies your SSDI claim, you can then request a review by the SSA’s Appeals Council. If this review is unsuccessful, filing a lawsuit in federal court is another option. However, these cases are challenging to win, so it’s vital to have an experienced SSDI attorney by your side.
Maximizing SSDI Benefits
Another important aspect of filing an SSDI claim is to ensure you receive all of the benefits you may be entitled to receive. We know how to determine an accurate onset date for your disability and help you pursue retroactive benefits, if applicable. Your SSDI lawyer can also help maximize your benefits if you’re dealing with both SSDI and workers’ compensation claims.
Why Choose Us?
Our team knows that the journey to securing SSDI benefits can be lengthy and overwhelming. Let us take some of the burden off your shoulders, help you navigate this complex process, and give you the best chance of a successful SSDI claim. Attorney and Partner Rolando Cubela is proud to serve our Spanish-speaking clients.
Contact Our SSDI Attorneys in the Greater New York City Area
At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, we care about our clients and their families. To learn more about SSDI claims and appeals, call 718-273-9000 or contact us to schedule a consultation with an SSDI lawyer in the Greater NYC area.
