Listing of Impairments
You may be considered disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you meet the following criteria:
1. You cannot do the work you did previously because of your disability
2. You cannot reasonably sit at a desk or perform any type of manual labor
3. You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition or disability
4. Your disability is expected to last at least one year or may result in death.
The SSA has an official Listing of Impairments that is updated frequently. Your disability does not necessarily have to be on the published list, but it will help your case. Here is an overview of some of the major categories:
1. Musculoskeletal System – disorders of the spine, amputation, burns
2. Respiratory System – asthma, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary disease
3. Cardiovascular System – chronic heart failure, congenital heart disease, aneurysm of aorta, peripheral arterial disease
4. Neurological Disorders – epilepsy, brain tumors, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral trauma
5. Mental Disorders – paranoid schizophrenia, personality disorders, substance addiction disorders.
To help prove their case, applicants should keep meticulous medical records and seek numerous medical opinions of professionals who will back up their claims. In addition to SSDI, disabled workers should seek help from the numerous non profit organizations that are geared specifically towards their disease or disability.
Tags: impairments