1. SSA’s Listing of Impairments

SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments, often called the “Blue Book,” which outlines medical conditions that may qualify for disability benefits if they meet specific criteria. Below are common categories of qualifying conditions:

A. Musculoskeletal Disorders

Includes:

• Severe back problems (herniated discs, spinal stenosis)
• Degenerative disc disease
• Amputations or severe joint dysfunction
• Fractures with nonunion or inability to heal

B. Neurological Disorders

Includes:

• Epilepsy (documented frequent seizures despite treatment)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) with significant limitations

C. Mental Disorders

Includes:

• Depression and bipolar disorder with severe limitations
• Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders
• Intellectual disability
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Anxiety disorders or PTSD with marked limitations

D. Cardiovascular Disorders

Includes:

• Chronic heart failure
• Coronary artery disease requiring surgical intervention
• Recurrent arrhythmias causing fainting or near-fainting
• Peripheral artery disease with severe limitations

E. Respiratory Disorders

Includes:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Severe asthma despite treatment
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Cystic fibrosis

F. Digestive Disorders

Includes:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis with severe complications
• Liver disease with significant impairment

G. Genitourinary Disorders

Includes:

• Chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis or transplant
• Severe urinary conditions causing significant work limitations

H. Endocrine Disorders

Includes:

• Uncontrolled diabetes causing severe complications such as neuropathy, vision loss, or organ damage
• Thyroid disorders with resulting severe physical or mental limitations

I. Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)

Includes:

• Various types of cancers, especially those that are metastatic, recurrent, or inoperable

J. Immune System Disorders

Includes:

• HIV/AIDS with severe symptoms or opportunistic infections
• Lupus causing severe organ or systemic involvement
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders with debilitating impacts

2. Conditions Not Listed in SSA’s Blue Book

Even if your condition is not explicitly listed, you may still qualify if you can prove:

• Your medical condition is medically equivalent in severity to a listed impairment, or
• Your combined medical conditions prevent you from performing any work activity, considering your age, education, and work experience

3. Evidence Needed to Qualify

To qualify, you must provide extensive medical documentation, such as:

• Doctor’s notes detailing your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis
• Hospital records, lab results, imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
• Statements from treating physicians about how your condition limits your daily activities and ability to work

The SSA evaluates how your condition limits your physical or mental ability to perform basic work functions, including standing, sitting, lifting, focusing, or interacting with others.

4. Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment

If your condition does not meet a listed impairment, SSA evaluates your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). This assessment considers:

• What type of work you can still do (sedentary, light, medium, heavy)
• Whether your condition prevents you from performing past relevant work or any other jobs in the national economy