Millions of Americans depend on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) when health issues prevent them from working. However, qualifying for SSDI isn’t always simple. It’s crucial to understand which medical conditions the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers disabling and how to navigate the process effectively. This comprehensive guide covers impairments that may qualify for disability benefits, such as mental illnesses, musculoskeletal disorders, and more. If you’re thinking about applying for SSDI, consulting with the experienced attorneys at Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo can significantly improve your chances of success.

Basic Criteria to Qualify for Disability Benefits

Before exploring specific conditions, it’s essential to understand the basic requirements for SSDI benefits. The SSA assesses your ability to work, not just your diagnosis. The following factors play a crucial role:

• Ability to Work: Having a diagnosis isn’t enough on its own to guarantee disability benefits. The SSA evaluates how your condition limits your ability to perform work-related tasks. If your impairment restricts your daily job functions, you may qualify.
• Duration of Condition: Typically, your condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Temporary impairments usually don’t meet SSDI requirements unless they develop into chronic conditions.
• Multiple Conditions: If you have more than one disabling condition, your chances of approval may increase. The SSA considers how your impairments combined affect your ability to work.
• Recent Treatment History: Demonstrating recent and consistent medical treatment strengthens your case. A history of ongoing care shows the SSA that your condition is serious and persistent.

For more information on applying for SSDI, refer to our How to Apply for Social Security Disability page.

4 Things to Know Before You Apply for Disability

When preparing to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, consider these important points:

1. Diagnosis vs. Workability: Your diagnosis is only part of the equation. The SSA wants to know if your condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you can work in any capacity, even with limitations, you may not qualify.
2. Condition Duration: The SSA considers the expected length of your condition. If it’s temporary, you might not qualify unless it’s part of a longer-term medical problem.
3. Multiple Impairments: Having more than one medical condition can help your case. The SSA looks at the cumulative impact of all conditions on your ability to work.
4. Medical Documentation: Consistent and recent medical care is essential. The SSA wants to see that you’re actively managing your condition and that it continues to affect your life despite treatment efforts.

Mental Illnesses That Qualify for Disability

Mental health conditions can be just as disabling as physical impairments, but qualifying for SSDI due to mental illness can be challenging. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has specific criteria for various mental disorders. Below is an overview of several mental health conditions that may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, or fear that interferes with everyday activities. To qualify for SSDI, your anxiety must be severe enough to prevent you from working. Conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder may qualify if they meet the SSA’s criteria for impairments.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass a range of neurodevelopmental conditions that can significantly affect communication, behavior, and social interactions. SSDI benefits may be available if ASD limits your ability to work, especially when it impacts cognitive or social functioning.

Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including episodes of depression and mania. These mood shifts can make it difficult to maintain consistent employment. SSDI benefits may be available if your bipolar disorder significantly disrupts your daily life and ability to work.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline personality disorder affects how individuals perceive themselves and others, often leading to difficulties in maintaining stable relationships and functioning effectively at work. If BPD significantly impairs your personal and professional life, you may qualify for SSDI benefits.

Depression

Depression is a common mental health disorder that can lead to overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. If depression prevents you from working, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The SSA will evaluate the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your ability to perform daily tasks.

Developmental Disorders

Developmental disorders, including intellectual disabilities and learning disorders, can hinder cognitive functioning and a person’s ability to carry out job-related tasks. SSDI benefits may be available if a developmental disorder limits your capacity to work.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia can have severe physical and psychological effects. If an eating disorder impairs your ability to work and function in everyday life, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. The SSA will examine the severity and duration of your condition, as well as any resulting medical complications.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is marked by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These symptoms can interfere with daily activities and work performance. If OCD makes it impossible for you to hold a job, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits.

Panic Disorders

Panic disorder involves frequent, unexpected panic attacks that can be debilitating. If these panic attacks interfere with your ability to work, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. The SSA will evaluate the frequency and severity of your panic attacks and their impact on your ability to function.

Personality and Impulse-Control Disorders

Personality disorders and impulse-control disorders can severely affect your ability to maintain employment. If these conditions result in significant social or occupational impairments, SSDI benefits may be available. The SSA will assess the severity and duration of your symptoms to determine eligibility.

Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders can cause hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, which can make it challenging to work. SSDI benefits may be available if these symptoms prevent you from performing job-related tasks. The SSA will evaluate your capacity to function in a work environment.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Other Trauma-Related Disorders

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions can significantly impact your ability to work. If symptoms such as flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, or hypervigilance disrupt your job performance, you may qualify for SSDI benefits.

Why It’s Hard to Qualify for Mental Health

Qualifying for Social Security disability benefits based on a mental health condition can be difficult. The SSA requires extensive documentation to prove that your mental illness significantly impacts your ability to work. Unlike physical impairments, which can be measured through medical tests, mental health conditions are often more subjective and require detailed evidence from mental health professionals. The SSA will carefully review your medical records, treatment history, and doctors’ opinions before making a decision.

Does My Mental Health Condition Qualify for Disability?

Your mental health condition may qualify for SSDI benefits if it meets specific criteria. You may be eligible if you have experienced one or more of the following:

• Recent hospitalization for mental health issues
• Failed attempts to return to work due to your condition
• Difficulty understanding, remembering, or applying information
• Problems interacting with others, including social difficulties, anger, or avoidance
• Struggles with concentration, persistence, or maintaining a work pace
• Challenges in adapting or managing yourself, including personal hygiene or coping with changes

Common symptoms that may be considered include:

• Psychotic symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking
• Depressive symptoms: Lack of energy, motivation, or suicidal thoughts
• Manic symptoms: Racing thoughts, impulsive behavior
• Anxiety symptoms: Paranoia, constant worry
• Cognitive issues: Memory problems, concentration difficulties
• History of trauma: PTSD

Musculoskeletal or Orthopedic Conditions That Qualify for Disability

Musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions can severely limit your ability to perform physical tasks required for work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes a wide range of disorders affecting bones, joints, and muscles. If your condition restricts your ability to lift, stand, or carry out other job-related functions, you may qualify for disability benefits.

Does My Orthopedic or Musculoskeletal Disorder Qualify for Disability?

To determine if your musculoskeletal condition qualifies for SSDI, the SSA will evaluate how much your disorder impairs your ability to work. Common qualifying conditions include severe arthritis, herniated discs, and degenerative joint diseases. If your condition affects your mobility, flexibility, or strength to the point where you are unable to perform your job, you may be eligible for benefits.

Sense and Speech Disorders That Qualify for Disability

Sensory impairments and speech disorders can make it difficult or even impossible to work, depending on the severity of the condition. Conditions such as blindness and deafness are among the most common sensory impairments that may qualify for SSDI benefits. According to the SSA, around 10% of SSDI recipients have a sensory impairment. However, the rules surrounding these conditions can be complex and require careful navigation.

If you are struggling with a sensory or speech disorder, it is recommended that you review the SSA’s guidelines on special senses and speech disorders with your doctor to determine if you meet the criteria for disability benefits.

How to Get Disability for Blindness

Blindness is one of the most recognized sensory disorders that can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). According to the SSA, legal blindness is defined as having a central visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye, even with corrective lenses, or a visual field limitation where the widest diameter is no greater than 20 degrees.

To qualify for SSDI benefits for blindness, your medical records must confirm that your condition meets the SSA’s definition of blindness. In addition to meeting the medical criteria, you must demonstrate that your vision impairment prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). Even if your blindness does not meet the SSA’s specific criteria, you may still qualify for benefits if it significantly affects your ability to work. If you are working despite your blindness, you may be eligible for a higher SGA threshold, which is adjusted annually.

How to Get Disability for Deafness

Deafness or significant hearing loss can also qualify for SSDI if the condition severely impacts your ability to work. The SSA defines profound hearing loss as the inability to hear sounds below 90 decibels in your better ear or having a word recognition score of 40% or lower in your better ear, even with the use of hearing aids.

To receive disability benefits for deafness, your audiometric test results must meet the SSA’s criteria. Along with medical documentation, you must show that your hearing impairment limits your capacity to engage in substantial gainful activity. While hearing aids may help in some situations, if your hearing loss prevents you from communicating or completing tasks in a work environment, you may still be eligible for SSDI.

If your hearing loss does not meet the SSA’s exact criteria, you may qualify for benefits under a “medical-vocational allowance,” particularly if your hearing loss, in combination with other impairments, limits your ability to maintain employment.

Respiratory Conditions That Qualify for Disability

Chronic respiratory conditions can severely impair your ability to work, especially when they lead to difficulty breathing, fatigue, or require frequent hospitalization. The SSA recognizes several respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and cystic fibrosis, as potentially disabling conditions. To qualify for SSDI, you must show that your condition limits your ability to perform even sedentary work.

Does My Respiratory Condition Qualify for Disability?

Common respiratory disorders that may qualify for disability benefits include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma (especially if it leads to frequent attacks or hospitalizations)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Lung cancer
• Bronchiectasis

To qualify for SSDI based on a respiratory disorder, the SSA typically looks for evidence of:

• Frequent respiratory infections
• Shortness of breath that limits daily activities
• Abnormal pulmonary function tests
• Use of oxygen therapy
• Hospitalizations due to respiratory failure

The SSA requires comprehensive medical evidence, such as pulmonary function tests and detailed treatment records, to support your claim. If you’re unsure whether your respiratory condition qualifies, the experienced attorneys at Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo can help you determine your eligibility and guide you through the process.

Does My Heart Condition Qualify for Disability?

Cardiovascular disorders, which impact the heart and circulatory system, are among the most common conditions that lead to Social Security Disability (SSD) benefit approvals. If you suffer from a heart or vascular condition that limits your ability to engage in physical activities, you may qualify for SSD benefits.

Some common cardiovascular conditions that may qualify include:

• Aneurysms (particularly if they cause chest pain)
• Congestive heart failure (especially if frequent hospitalization is required)
• Coronary artery disease
• Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

In addition to a specific diagnosis, the SSA looks for symptoms such as:

• Chronic heart failure or ventricular dysfunction
• Pain due to myocardial ischemia
• Low cardiac output
• Pulmonary vascular disease
• Fainting or near-fainting episodes (syncope)

If your heart condition limits your ability to work, consult with Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo to ensure your application is comprehensive and well-supported.

Digestive System Disorders That Qualify for Disability

Digestive disorders can range from mild to severe and may qualify for disability benefits if they interfere with your ability to work. Chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and liver disease can cause debilitating symptoms such as chronic pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition, all of which may impair your work capacity.

Does My Digestive Disorder Qualify for Disability?

For digestive disorders to qualify for SSDI, you must demonstrate that your symptoms are severe and persistent despite treatment. Medical documentation, including endoscopic exams, imaging, and a detailed treatment history, will be essential for proving your case.

Common Digestive Conditions That Qualify for Disability:

• Crohn’s disease: Severe cases where flare-ups are frequent and debilitating may qualify for SSDI.
• Ulcerative colitis: If your ulcerative colitis symptoms are unmanageable and lead to frequent hospitalizations, you may qualify for disability.
• Chronic liver disease: Conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis may qualify if they impair your ability to work and lead to chronic fatigue, pain, or complications.
• Celiac disease: Severe celiac disease causing chronic malnutrition, pain, and other complications may qualify for disability benefits.

Genitourinary Disorders That Qualify for Disability

Genitourinary disorders, including chronic kidney disease and other severe conditions affecting the kidneys and urinary system, may make you eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Approximately 1.7% of SSDI recipients have a genitourinary condition, with renal failure being one of the most common qualifying disorders.

If you are undergoing dialysis due to renal failure, you may automatically qualify for disability benefits. Contact your local Disability Determination Services (DDS) office when applying to help expedite the process.

Does My Genitourinary Disorder Qualify for Disability?

Your kidney or urinary disorder might be eligible for disability benefits if several of the following criteria are met:

• Recent medical exams, lab results, or evaluation reports within the past 90 days
• A history of kidney or bone biopsy
• Regular treatment with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
• Episodes of fluid retention
• Significant weight loss due to kidney disease
• Multiple hospitalizations within the past year, with at least 30 days between each stay
• A recent kidney transplant

These factors help determine eligibility for SSD benefits, especially for those with severe kidney or urinary conditions.

Hematological Disorders That Qualify for Disability

Hematological conditions, which affect the blood, are often diagnosed through lab tests. When applying for disability benefits, the SSA typically requires documented evidence such as lab results signed by a physician or, at minimum, a detailed report confirming your diagnosis. Around 0.3% of current disability recipients have a hematological disorder.

Common conditions that may qualify include:

• Aplastic anemia
• Bone marrow failure disorders
• Granulocytopenia
• Hemolytic anemias
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Myelofibrosis
• Sickle cell disease
• Thalassemia

Additionally, complications from treatments, such as bone marrow or stem cell transplants, may also make you eligible for benefits.

Does My Hematological Disorder Qualify for Disability?

Your blood disorder may qualify for SSD benefits if some or all of the following apply:

• You have been hospitalized at least three times in the past 12 months.
• You require regular RBC transfusions every six weeks.
• You experience painful (vaso-occlusive) crises that need medication.
• Your condition causes anemia, skin ulcers, pain, fatigue, or other complications that impair your ability to work, socialize, or perform daily activities.

Skin Disorders That Qualify for Disability

While skin disorders can make someone eligible for disability benefits, only about 0.2% of disability recipients fall into this category. The key factor in determining eligibility is the duration and frequency of your condition or flare-ups. For example, if you’re recovering from burns, the SSA will consider whether your healing process will last longer than a year. Similarly, conditions like dermatitis may qualify if you’ve experienced lesions or flare-ups for at least three months.

Specific skin conditions that might qualify include:

• Bullous diseases (pemphigus, erythema multiforme bullosum)
• Burns (especially if treated with a skin graft)
• Dermatitis (e.g., psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, dyshidrosis, or allergic contact dermatitis)
• Genetic sensitivity disorders (disabilities present from birth)
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Ichthyosis

Does My Skin Condition Qualify for Disability?

Your skin disorder may qualify for disability benefits if you meet some of the following criteria:

• You experience ongoing pain caused by your condition or its treatment.
• You have skin lesions in areas that limit your ability to perform tasks, such as on your hands (affecting fine motor skills), feet (impacting walking), or joints (limiting movement in a limb).
• Your skin condition affects other senses, such as facial lesions interfering with talking or eating, or it impacts your mental health.
• You have frequent flare-ups that make it difficult to maintain a consistent work schedule.

Endocrine Disorders That Qualify for Disability

Diabetes is the most frequently seen endocrine disorder that qualifies for Social Security disability benefits, with approximately 2.3% of recipients having an endocrine-related condition. Other disorders that may qualify include:

• Adrenal gland disorders
• Hyperglycemia
• Parathyroid gland disorders
• Pituitary gland disorders
• Thyroid gland disorders

For many endocrine conditions, the SSA will also assess how the disorder affects other systems in your body. For example, if a thyroid gland disorder leads to cognitive impairments, mood disorders, or anxiety, these symptoms may be evaluated similarly to mental health disorders. Likewise, if a parathyroid gland issue causes abnormal calcium levels in your bones, resulting in osteoporosis or fractures, the SSA would assess this condition like a musculoskeletal disorder.

Does My Endocrine Disorder Qualify for Disability?

You may qualify for disability benefits if your endocrine disorder results in some of the following:

• You rely on insulin for management.
• You experience neuropathy or struggle with brain fog.
• You have open wounds or have undergone an amputation.
• You suffer from numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in your hands or feet.
• You experience vision problems, such as diabetic retinopathy.
• You have severe gastrointestinal issues, including constipation or incontinence.

Cancers (Neoplasms) That Qualify for Disability

Cancer is a serious condition that can qualify for disability benefits, with approximately 3.0% of recipients having some form of cancer. If you are diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, you are likely to qualify automatically, and the SSA may expedite your application. Below are some cancers that commonly qualify for disability benefits:

• Breast Cancer
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Lung Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Stomach Cancer

Certain cancers are eligible for fast-tracked approval, including:

• Acute leukemia
• Breast cancer with distant metastases, or that is inoperable or unresectable
• Esophageal cancer
• Gallbladder cancer
• Liver cancer
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Ovarian cancer with distant metastases, or that is inoperable or unresectable
• Pancreatic cancer
• Small cell cancers (of the large intestine, prostate, or thymus)
• Small cell cancer of the female genital tract
• Small cell lung cancer

Does My Cancer Qualify for Disability?

Your cancer may qualify for disability benefits if any of the following apply to your situation:

• You’ve undergone a biopsy or surgery to remove cancer.
• You are receiving ongoing treatment and have recent imaging or scan results.
• You have a dedicated oncology care team, including specialists and radiologists.
• You suffer from prolonged side effects of treatment, such as chemotherapy symptoms that last longer than 12 months.

Cancer in Remission: What You Should Know

If you are in partial remission but still experience symptoms that limit your ability to work, you should continue to seek disability benefits. If you are already receiving benefits, being in remission won’t immediately affect your status. According to SSA guidelines, your cancer is considered disabling unless you have been fully in remission for three years from the presence of the original tumor, with no recurrence of cancer during that time. After this period, the SSA may reassess your eligibility.

Immune Disorders That Qualify for Disability

Certain immune system conditions can make you eligible for disability benefits, including lupus, gout, and HIV/AIDS. In some cases, like AIDS, applications may be expedited. For more information, you can refer to the SSA’s TERI (Terminal Illness) list of conditions that are automatically eligible for fast-tracked approval. Other immune-related disorders that could qualify include:

• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Polymyositis and dermatomyositis
• Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
• Systemic vasculitis

Does My Immune Disorder Qualify for Disability?

The SSA will look at various factors to determine if your immune disorder qualifies for disability. Here are common signs that may indicate eligibility:

• Diagnostic tests confirming your condition, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CAT scans.
• Chronic fatigue, fevers, or unintentional weight loss.
• Your condition affects more than one organ.
• Struggles with limited mobility or joint stiffness.
• Under the care of a specialist like a neurologist, rheumatologist, or infectious disease physician.

Specific symptoms of lupus that the SSA may focus on include:

• Butterfly-shaped rash across the face
• Difficulty using extremities in cold environments
• Chronic inflammation
• Sun sensitivity
• Involvement of multiple organs or body systems
• Joint pain
• Skin lesions
• Cognitive issues such as memory loss or confusion
• Severe fatigue, fevers, malaise, or unintended weight loss

Neurological Disorders That May Qualify for Disability

The symptoms and impact of neurological disorders can vary widely. Some conditions, like ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), automatically qualify for benefits. Other neurological conditions that may qualify for Social Security disability include:

• Carpal tunnel
• Cerebral palsy
• Epilepsy
• Severe insomnia
• Migraines (in extreme cases)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Narcolepsy
• Parkinson’s disease
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Does My Neurological Disorder Qualify for Disability?

The following neurological conditions and their associated symptoms may demonstrate to the SSA that you are unable to work:

• Cerebral Palsy: Limitations in speech, hearing, or vision; secondary issues such as fatigue, weakness, arthritis, learning difficulties, or mental health challenges.
• Epilepsy: Frequent seizures (generalized, tonic-clonic, focal, or dyscognitive); severe seizures such as biting the tongue, loss of consciousness, or muscle spasms; multiple seizures within a 24-hour period; prescription medication that hasn’t effectively managed the condition.
• Multiple Sclerosis: Symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, numbness, tingling, imbalance, or tremors.
• Peripheral Neuropathy, Stroke, and Traumatic Brain Injury: Persistent symptoms for at least three months; disorganized motor function that impairs the ability to stand, balance, or use limbs; cognitive challenges, such as difficulty concentrating, remembering, interacting with others, or processing information; sensory or motor aphasia (difficulty understanding or producing speech).

Injuries, Infectious Diseases, and Other Disorders

Various injuries, diseases, and health conditions can potentially qualify you for disability benefits. The general rule is that if your condition makes it extremely difficult or impossible to work for an extended period, it’s worth considering an application for disability benefits. If your injury or illness is temporary and won’t last for more than a year but still prevents you from working, there are other options to explore:

• Pennsylvania provides its own short-term disability program.
• Your employer might offer short-term or long-term disability insurance.
• If your illness or injury occurred on the job, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Conditions That Automatically Qualify for Disability

Some conditions automatically qualify for disability benefits due to their severity. These fall into two main categories: Compassionate Allowances and TERI (Terminal Illness) cases.

Compassionate Allowance conditions are considered so disabling that a diagnosis alone is enough to qualify. Examples of these conditions include Coffin-Lowry syndrome, early-onset Alzheimer’s, and multiple types of cancer.

TERI conditions often overlap with Compassionate Allowances. If medical evidence confirms that an illness is terminal, it can be designated as a TERI case, expediting the approval process.

TERI Conditions and Circumstances

Examples of TERI conditions that may be eligible for fast-track processing include:

• AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease
• Receiving inpatient or at-home hospice care
• Chronic reliance on a cardiopulmonary life-sustaining device
• Chronic pulmonary or heart failure that requires continuous home oxygen
• Any cancer that has metastasized, is Stage IV, recurs after initial treatment, or is inoperable
• Cancers of the esophagus, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, mesothelioma, small/oat cell lung cancer, brain cancer, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), or acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
• Coma lasting 30 days or longer
• Fatal genetic or congenital defects in newborns

Get Legal Advice Specific to Your Condition

Perhaps your condition isn’t mentioned here, or you’re dealing with multiple conditions, fluctuating symptoms, or a prognosis that could worsen over time. Understanding the complexities of the Social Security disability system can be challenging. An experienced lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the SSA Blue Book can guide you, help gather necessary medical evidence, and even handle your entire application process.

For legal advice, get started with Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo. Our team of caring client advocates are ready to listen and provide personalized assistance. Contact us today.

FAQs About Medical Conditions That Qualify for Disability

What Conditions Automatically Qualify You for Disability?

Certain conditions automatically qualify for disability benefits under the Social Security Administration’s Compassionate Allowances or Terminal Illness (TERI) programs. These include severe cases such as advanced-stage cancers, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), and other conditions that the SSA considers sufficiently disabling based on diagnosis alone. These conditions are flagged for faster processing to ensure timely approval.

What Medical Conditions Qualify for Disability?

A broad range of medical conditions can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, provided they significantly impair your ability to work. This includes both physical and mental health conditions such as:

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Neurological diseases
• Autoimmune disorders
• Mental health issues (e.g., depression or anxiety)

The SSA evaluates the severity of your symptoms and the extent to which they impact your daily life and work activities.

What Heart Conditions Qualify for Disability?

Several heart-related conditions may qualify for disability benefits, including:

• Chronic heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Arrhythmias
• Congenital heart defects

To qualify, the SSA typically requires medical evidence like imaging tests, stress tests, or hospitalization records that demonstrate how the condition impairs your ability to function and perform daily tasks.

What Back Conditions Qualify for Disability?

Back conditions that may qualify for disability benefits include:

• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis

To be eligible, these conditions must significantly limit your mobility or cause pain that prevents you from performing daily activities or maintaining employment. The SSA will usually require medical records, imaging tests (e.g., MRIs or X-rays), and reports from your healthcare provider to assess the severity of your condition.