1. SSA’s Listing of Impairments

The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a Listing of Impairments, often called the “Blue Book,” which details conditions that automatically qualify if their severity meets specific criteria. Conditions include:

A. Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Severe back problems, including herniated discs with nerve root compression
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Joint dysfunction (hip, knee, shoulder) causing significant mobility limitations
• Amputations without effective prosthetic use

B. Cardiovascular Conditions

• Congestive heart failure
• Coronary artery disease with limited exertional capacity
• Recurrent arrhythmias causing fainting or near fainting
• Chronic heart conditions requiring surgical intervention

C. Respiratory Disorders

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Severe asthma not controlled with treatment
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Cystic fibrosis with significant breathing impairment

D. Neurological Disorders

• Epilepsy with frequent seizures despite treatment
• Multiple sclerosis with motor or cognitive limitations
• Parkinson’s disease with severe tremors or mobility issues
• Stroke resulting in significant residual impairment
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

E. Mental Disorders

• Severe depression with marked limitations in functioning
• Bipolar disorder with frequent manic and depressive episodes
• Schizophrenia with hallucinations or delusions affecting daily activities
• Anxiety disorders, PTSD, or OCD causing inability to function independently
• Intellectual disability with an IQ of 70 or below and functional limitations

F. Immune System Disorders

• Lupus with organ involvement or severe systemic symptoms
• Rheumatoid arthritis with major joint deformity or dysfunction
• HIV/AIDS with severe complications

G. Cancer

• Various types of cancer depending on stage and metastasis
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Cancer requiring aggressive treatment with severe side effects

H. Endocrine Disorders

• Uncontrolled diabetes with complications such as neuropathy or retinopathy
• Thyroid disorders causing significant metabolic disturbances

2. Conditions Not Listed

If your exact condition is not listed in the Blue Book, you can still qualify if:

• Your condition is medically equivalent in severity to a listed impairment
• Your symptoms prevent you from performing any work you have done in the past or adjusting to any other work

For example, chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or complex regional pain syndrome may qualify based on documented functional limitations.

3. Proving Your Disability

To qualify for SSDI, you must provide strong medical evidence showing:

• A clear diagnosis from qualified medical professionals
• Ongoing treatment records demonstrating severity and persistence
• Doctor’s statements outlining how your condition limits daily activities and work-related tasks

SSA will evaluate whether your condition prevents Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), meaning you cannot earn above a certain income level due to your disability.

4. Duration Requirement

Your condition must be:

• Expected to last at least 12 months, or
• Expected to result in death

Temporary or short-term conditions do not qualify for SSDI benefits.