What physical and mental medical conditions qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

There is no list of medical conditions that will always qualify an applicant for benefits.  However, the following conditions, if severe enough, may qualify:

  • Spine disorders - stenosis, herniated disc, pinched nerve, failed back or neck surgery, permanent nerve damage
  • Musculoskeletal conditions - fracture, dislocation, broken bones, amputation, nerve damage, joint problems (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, fingers, hip, knee, ankle, foot)
  • Vision Problems - blindness, low vision, diabetic retinopathy, blind spots, loss of peripheral vision, detached retina
  • Hearing Problems - deafness, dizziness, balance issues, vertigo, Meniere's disease
  • Respiratory Disorders - asthma, COPD, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, COVID 19/Long Haul COVID
  • Heart Problems - congestive heart failure, heart attack, peripheral artery disease; atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, arrhythmia; aortic stenosis, aneurysm
  • Autoimmune Conditions - Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, uncerative colitis, lupus, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome 
  • Liver Conditions - chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, Wilson's disease, encephalopathy
  • Kidney Disease - fluid overload syndrome, kidney hypertension, chronic kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy
  • Blood Disorders - anemia, HIV, thrombosis, hemostasis, leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, cancer, bone marrow disorders, sickle cell disease
  • Endocrine disorders - pituitary, thyroid, adrenal and pancreas conditions
  • Neurological disorders - epilepsy, seizures, Parkinson's syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury
  • Mental Disorders - Bipolar Disorder, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, schizophrenia, panic attacks, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, agoraphobia
  • Developmental Disorders - autism spectrum, impulse control disorders, borderline intellectual functioning, Tourett syndrome
  • Cancer 

You should consult with an experienced SSDI lawyer as soon as you have thoughts of applying for SSDI so you can receive an evaluation of your specific situation and disability.  It will be time well spent and at Phillip Hendry Law, there is no charge for the consultation.