Social security disability, more commonly known as SSD, is a type of benefit paid to those who have either a long-term medical condition or one that could potentially result in death that prohibits the person from working. The requirements that the Social Security Administration (SSA) attach to the SSD program are based on the condition that the claimant has; however, it tends to boil down to how the medical condition that they reported affects their ability to obtain and maintain gainful employment.

To qualify for SSD the individual basically needs to be considered “all or nothing”, which means that they must be completely disabled by their medical condition to qualify. Programs, such as the Veterans’ Affairs System will cover disability payments for different levels of disability. It would be a good idea to obtain a disability attorney or advocate to help better understand the entire process and help figure out what the individual may qualify for.

The “Blue Book” is a manual that the SSA possesses that lists medical impairments that can qualify someone for SSD. There are currently 88 conditions covered under the Compassionate Allowances Program that enables the claimant to be approved for SSD almost instantly; however, these conditions are generally more severe and life-threatening than others. The rest of this article will cover and review a few of the main medical conditions that can qualify someone to qualify for SSD.

Digestive System

Any health issue related to the digestive tract is considered a digestive condition or disease. Conditions can include:

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

Cardiovascular System

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

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

Hematological Disorders

Any type of disorder in the blood or blood organs falls into the hematological disorder category. These can include:

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

Genitourinary Impairments

When a disorder is directly related to urinary or genital organs, it’ll fall into the category of genitourinary impairments. These can include:

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

Endocrine System

Endocrine disorders affect bone and tissue development, reproduction, and heartbeats. These can include:

  • Diabetes
  • Grave’s Disease
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Hyperparathyroidism
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Obesity
  • Pancreatitis
  • Thyroid Gland Disorders

Immune System Disorders

When a condition causes the body to attack itself or decreases the individual’s ability to fend off infection, it is considered to be an immune system disorder. These can include:

  • Epstein Barr Virus
  • Guillain Barre Syndrome
  • HIV
  • Lupus
  • Scleroderma

Malignant Neoplastic Diseases

This category covers medical conditions that are derived from cancer and tumors. These can include:

  • Brain Cancer
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cancer
  • Cervical Cancer
  • Fallopian Tube Cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Lung Cancer
  • Lymphedema
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Stomach Cancer

Mental Disorders

Mental disorders will affect your behavior as well as the way you think and they can include:

  • Anorexia
  • Anxiety
  • Autism
  • Mood Disorders
  • Panic Attacks
  • PTSD
  • Schizophrenia

Multiple Body System Impairments

Impairments that can affect multiple body systems can include:

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Chronic Insomnia
  • Down Syndrome
  • Dwarfism
  • Trisomy X

Neurological Problems

If a disease affects the brain, nerves, and spine it will fall into this category. These can include:

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

Musculoskeletal Problems

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

  • Amputation
  • Back Pain
  • Bone Spurs
  • Club Foot
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Neck Pain
  • Paralysis
  • Scoliosis
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Whiplash

Skin Disorders

Conditions that directly affect the skin, causing it to become chronically inflamed or irritated, fall into this category. These can include:

  • Burns
  • Cellulitis
  • Dermatitis
  • Psoriasis

Respiratory System

Diseases that impact breathing and affect the functionality of the lungs and respiratory system fall into this category. These can include:

  • Asthma
  • COPD
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Emphysema
  • Lung Transplant
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Sleep Apnea

Speech and Special Systems

If speaking is difficult or there are voice problems evident, it falls into this category. These can include:

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