Conditions The Social Security Administration Recognizes As Disabilities
Are you unable to work at your job due to a disability? How do you know if your medical condition qualifies you for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits?
There are many steps that go into the process of applying for and getting SSD benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA.) At the North Carolina law firm of O’Malley Tunstall, PC, our experienced disability benefit attorneys have decades of experience helping injured and disabled clients get the care they need and deserve.
Not only do your work history and your inability to continue working help to qualify you for benefits, but your medical condition also matters.
Common Disabling Conditions According To Social Security Laws
The SSA uses a list of impairments to help determine if an applicant is disabled. These are some of the most common classes of diseases and disorders that Social Security Administration recognizes as disabling conditions:
- Cancers (malignant neoplastic diseases): Characterized by cancerous tumors that may metastasize
- Cardiovascular system: Any impairment or disorder affecting the proper functioning of a person’s heart or circulatory system such as heart disease, angina, peripheral artery disease and anemia
- Digestive system: Liver dysfunction or transplants, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and short bowel syndrome
- Endocrine disorders: Diabetes and hormonal imbalances that affect your body’s glands, such as pituitary and thyroid disorders
- Genitourinary system: Diseases like chronic renal disease that diminish the function of the kidneys
- Hematological disorders: Including sickle cell disease, coagulation defects and other conditions that affect your blood and blood-producing organs
- Immune system disorders: Including problems with antibody production, certain cellular deficiencies and immune deficiency disorders like HIV/AIDS
- Mental disorders: Including numerous affective and anxiety disorders
- Musculoskeletal system: Including trauma to the joints and spine as well as amputations, soft tissue damage and other fractures
- Neurological disorders: Including brain tumors and epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, trauma to the central nervous system and to the spinal cord
- Respiratory system: Including asthma, cystic fibrosis, lung transplants and sleep-related breathing disorders
- Senses and speech: Decreasing or losing the senses of sight, speech and hearing
- Skin disorders: Including dermatitis, bullous (blistering) diseases and chronic infections of the skin and mucous membranes
Other Conditions And Ways To Qualify
In addition to this list, there are certain medical and physical conditions that are so serious that an applicant is automatically qualified for SSD benefits. The Compassionate Allowances list includes a high number of fatal diseases and advanced cancers.
When a claimed disability doesn’t match with a specific medical impairment, the Administration uses a grid of rules based on your age, education, job skills, working history and your ability to work. There are, of course, exceptions to every rule. That is why it is important to hire a Social Security Disability lawyer when your claim is denied.
Don’t Get Stuck Wondering. Get Answers Today From O’Malley Tunstall, PC
With office locations in Tarboro and Raleigh, we help people seeking Social Security benefits across eastern North Carolina. There is no obligation to hire us when you contact us with a question. But we think you’ll like our style and our level of experience.
Susan M. O’Malley is a certified legal specialist in Social Security Disability law through the North Carolina Bar Association since 2006. She brings an unparalleled level of knowledge to the table when fighting for your rights to benefits. Because our fees are set by law, you won’t pay any more for a highly experienced attorney than you would for someone right out of law school.