Our Washington DC and Maryland Law Firm Explains Qualifying Impairments for Social Security Disability 

One of the most important steps in a Social Security disability claim is determining whether your impairment qualifies you for disabilities. Ultimately, the SSA will determine whether your disability qualifies for benefits, but understanding what is considered a qualifying impairment can help you prepare your claim. Working with a Baltimore Social Security disability law firm can remove a lot of the guesswork as they will know how to make sure your medical condition qualifies.

The Social Security Administration’s Criteria for Benefits

It’s important to note that “disabled” doesn’t necessarily mean that you are confined to your bed or have severe mobility issues. In fact, many disabilities are not immediately apparent to employers, friends, and family. As a result, don’t assume that you won’t qualify for benefits just because your disability isn’t obvious to others.

Though it’s best to address your specific condition with a Social Security lawyer, in order to qualify for Social Security benefits, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your disability prevents you from doing the work you did before
• Your disability prevents you from doing other work
• Your disability is expected to last at least 12 months

In order to receive your benefits, you must fill out an application and submit it to the SSA. They will review your application and make a determination as to whether your disability qualifies for benefits. If you are unable to work due to a disability, a Baltimore Social Security disability law firm can evaluate your case and provide guidance on submitting a claim.

Qualifying Mental and Physical Impairments Outlined by a Baltimore Social Security Disability Law Firm

In order to facilitate the process, the SSA has compiled a list of disabilities that qualify for benefits, provided that you meet the other criteria. These disabilities are organized into the following categories. Our Baltimore Social Security disability law firm has outlined some common disorders and diseases for each, but note this is not a comprehensive list.

• Musculoskeletal System – amputation, fractures and joint dysfunctions, spinal injuries
• Special Senses and Speech – loss of vision or speech, hearing loss
• Respiratory Disorders – asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD
• Cardiovascular System – chronic heart failure, aneurysms, arrhythmias
• Digestive System – IBD, extreme weight loss, Crohn’s Disease, liver transplant, or disease
• Genitourinary Disorders – kidney disease or transplant
• Hematological Disorders – anemias, sickle cell disease, bone marrow transplants
• Skin Disorders – dermatitis, chronic infections of the skin
• Endocrine Disorders – adrenal, thyroid, pancreatic gland disorders
• Congenital Disorders – down syndrome
• Neurological Disorders – epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors, muscular dystrophy, TBIs
• Mental Disorders – autism, anxiety, bipolar and depressive disorders, schizophrenia, PTSD
• Cancer – Skin and breast cancer; intestinal, kidney, and testicular cancers; lymphoma, leukemia, melanoma
• Immune System Disorders – Lupus, Scleroderma, HIV, arthritis
• Pain – Fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Fatigue – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Chronic Condition – Diabetes

If your specific condition is found on the SSA’s list, your claim is much more likely to be approved. Please note that the SSA has a separate directory for disabilities for people under the age of 18.

What if Your Disability Isn’t Listed?

The SSA’s list of disabilities does not include every possible medical condition. If your condition isn’t listed, that does not mean that you won’t qualify for benefits. However, it does mean that you will need to carefully document your condition in order to prove your claim. If your condition is unlisted, you may want to consider working with a Baltimore Social Security disability law firm – they will know how to document your condition so that you can determine your eligibility as quickly as possible.

Contact Emmett B. Irwin Today

If you’re unable to work and facing financial challenges, a Baltimore Social Security disability lawyer can help you understand your options. At the Law Office of Emmett B. Irwin, we help people with disabilities get the benefits they need. If you’d like to speak with an experienced disability attorney, call our Baltimore Social Security disability law firm at 443-839-0818 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today. We work with clients throughout Maryland and surrounding states, including Washington DC.