The Social Security Administration provides a list of medical conditions that are considered severe enough to qualify an applicant for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). An applicant’s medical condition must be regarded as disabling to the point that it interferes with the applicant’s ability to maintain gainful employment. Many of these disabling conditions are in a list of impairments in the Social Security Administration’s impairment manual, also known as the “Blue Book.”
If you or a loved one have a disabling medical condition, you may be entitled to monthly SSDI benefits. At Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas, we have helped thousands of clients obtain SSDI benefits. We focus our entire practice on assisting our clients in securing the Social Security benefits they deserve. Contact our Las Vegas law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.
Understanding the SSDI “Blue Book” and its List of Impairments
The “Blue Book” is an impairment listing manual used by state-run Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS agencies use the Blue Book to determine which SSDI applicants meet the criteria of being medically disabled. When an applicant meets the Blue Book criteria and all other requirements, the claims examiner will award SSDI benefits. It is possible to receive SSDI benefits when your medical condition isn’t listed in the Blue Book. However, you will need to prove that your condition is as severe as those listed.
The Social Security Administration also recognizes over 200 compassionate allowance listings for claimants with a severe medical condition that is likely to cause an applicant’s death relatively quickly. If you have one of these severe conditions, your claim will be processed expeditiously. The list of impairments in the Blue Book are divided up according to different bodily systems, such as the cardiovascular system and digestive system, and disorder type.
Cardiovascular System
Medical conditions related to the heart are among the most common causes of disability in the United States. This section of the Blue Book also includes high blood pressure, hypertension, and blood clots. The Blue Book recognizes different subcategories for medical conditions related to the cardiovascular system, including the following:
- Aneurysm of the aorta or major branches
- Chronic heart failure
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Heart transplant
- Ischemic heart disease
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Recurrent arrhythmia
Digestive System
The digestive system includes the pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. Medical conditions involving the digestive system can cause bloody stools, abdominal pain, and unintended weight loss. Many different disorders affect the digestive tract, and the following medical conditions are listed in the Blue Book:
- Chronic liver disease, including alcohol cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C
- Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases
- Short bowel syndrome
- Liver transplant
- Weight loss caused by a digestive disorder
Endocrine System
The endocrine system is responsible for the secretion of hormones, and disorders involving the endocrine system include obesity and thyroid disorders. Thyroid disorders can cause blood pressure and heart rate dysfunction, as well as mood and anxiety disorders. The endocrine system consists of the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands, and the pancreas. Diabetes is one of the most common medical conditions related to the endocrine system.
Genitourinary Impairments
Genitourinary impairments involve the urinary system and reproductive organs, including medical conditions that require dialysis. Kidney disease is a type of genitourinary impairment. Other common genitourinary conditions include:
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Chronic obstructive uropathy
- Chronic glomerulonephritis
- Hypertensive renal vascular disease
- Alport Syndrome, or hereditary nephropathies
Hematological Disorders
Hematological disorders involve medical conditions that involve a person’s blood. Blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and chronic anemia are listed in the Blue Book.
Immune System Disorders
The immune system helps us fight off sickness. Common conditions that involve the immune system not functioning correctly include lupus and HIV.
Malignant Neoplastic Diseases
Malignant neoplastic diseases include all of the numerous types of cancer, including prostate cancer and breast cancer. Keep in mind that if you have an advanced stage of cancer, your condition may fall under the 200 compassionate allowance listings in the Blue Book. When that is the case, the Social Security Administration will expedite your claim to receive SSDI benefits more quickly.
Mental Disorders
The Blue Book recognizes several different types of mental disorders, including schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. The Blue Book lists eleven different categories of qualifying mental illnesses, including the following:
- Anxiety
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Eating disorders, including bulimia and anorexia
- Alzheimer’s
- Vascular dementia
- Schizophrenia
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
Musculoskeletal System
Musculoskeletal system conditions affect a person’s skeletal system as well as their muscles. Musculoskeletal impairment includes degenerative disc disease and herniated discs, both of which are extremely common in the United States.
Neurological Problems
Neurological disorders affect a person’s nervous system, and there are numerous medical conditions related to neurological impairment. Two of the most common neurological problems listed in the Blue Book are epilepsy and cerebral palsy. The Blue Book also includes conditions that cause seizures, paralysis, tremors, muscle weakness, and mental impairments.
Respiratory System
A person’s respiratory system allows them to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Medical conditions that negatively affect the respiratory system include asthma, chronic lung disease, mesothelioma, and lung infections.
Skin Disorders
Skin disorders listed in the Blue Book include hidradenitis and cellulitis. The Blue Book lists ichthyosis, bullous disease, dermatitis, extensive skin lesions, and chronic skin infections as disabling medical conditions.
Special Senses and Speech
The special senses and speech category list medical impairments that affect a person’s hearing and ability to see, such as vision loss and hearing loss.
Multiple Body System Impairments
In some cases, an applicant’s medical disorder affects multiple body systems negatively. For example, fetal alcohol syndrome can affect a person’s endocrine, neurological, and respiratory systems. Likewise, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome constitutes a multiple body system impairment.
Contact A Las Vegas SSDI Lawyer Today If You Have Questions About the List of Impairments
If you have a medical disability, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. If you are interested in obtaining SSDI benefits, Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas can help. We will evaluate your case and advise you on whether your medical condition qualifies you for SSDI. Contact our Las Vegas law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.