Social security disability, or SSD, are benefits paid to those who either have a long-term medical condition or one expected to result in death that disallows the individual from working. The qualifications that the Social Security Administration (SSA) puts on SSD are based on the condition the person filing the claim (claimant) has; however, it essentially boils down to how the medical condition reported affects the ability to obtain and maintain gainful employment.

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.

The SSA has a manual, known as the “Blue Book” that lists medical impairments that can qualify you for SSD. There are also 88 conditions covered under the Compassionate Allowances Program that will allow the claimant to be approved for SSD almost immediately; these conditions tend to be more severe and life-threatening than others. Below, we’ll review some of the main medical conditions that can qualify for SSD.

Digestive System

Any health issue that happens in the digestive tract is considered a digestive condition or disease. These can include:

• Cirrhosis
• Colon Cancer
• Diverticulitis
• GERD
• Hepatitis
• Liver Disease
• Bowel Incontinence
• Crohn's Disease
• Ulcers
• Wilson’s Disease

Cardiovascular System

Cardiovascular system disorders affect the structure and function of your heart. These can include:

• Artery Disease
• Atrial Fibrillation
• Heart Failure
• Heart Valve Disorder
• Hypertension
• High Cholesterol
• Raynaud’s Disease
• Ischemic Heart Disease

Hematological Disorders

When there is a disorder in the blood or blood organs, it falls in the hematological disorder category. These can include:

• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Chronic Anemia
• Gilbert’s Syndrome
• Chronic Liver Disease
• Liver Transplants

Genitourinary Impairments

When a disorder is related to urinary or genital organs, they’ll fall in this category. These can include:

• Kidney Failure
• Kidney Transplant
• Nephrotic Syndrome
• Interstitial Cystitis

Endocrine System

Endocrine disorders are those that affect bone and tissue development, reproduction, and heart beats. These can include:

• 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

When a disease affects the brain, nerves, and spine it falls into this category. These can include:

• CeMeuralgia
• ALS
• Polio
• Epilepsy
• Stroke
• Tourette’s Syndrome
• Parkinson’s

Musculoskeletal Problems

Disorders in this category describe pain or injury to the neck, back, nerves, tendons, limbs, and joints. These can include:

• 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 in this category. These can 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

When there is a difficulty in speaking or voice problems, it falls into this category. These can include:

• Vision Loss
• Loss of Speech
• Acoustic Neuroma
• Meniere’s Disease
• Macular Degeneration