What Medical Conditions are Qualified for Disability Benefits?

Medical conditions are any physical and mental impairments that cause drastic functional limitations. Individuals who had medical conditions have difficulty in performing important daily tasks. These medical conditions need varying levels of expensive medical attention to help ease the condition of the individual. To help them gain access to affordable and effective medical services, these individuals need social security disability benefits.

Under the Social Security Administration (SSA) are two programs that provide benefits to persons with disabilities (PWD). They are the Social Security disability insurance program (SSDI), and the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI). SSDI gives benefits to PWDs who are insured under the Social Security Act. SSI, on the other hand, provides supplemental income to PWDs who are financially struggling.

What disabilities and medical conditions are qualified to receive disability benefits? For the most part, the impairment must be medically determinable and diagnosed. Specifically, there must be a clinical or laboratory diagnostic examination. We can use these as solid legal proof of your disability. The SSA lists them according to 14 categories:

  • Musculoskeletal disorders are gross bone or joint deformities and fractures that result in significant limitation of motion.
    • fractures, amputations, burns, and joint problems
    • Imaging techniques, such as x-rays, CAT scans, and MRI are used to determine the extent of the injury.
  • Disorders in special senses are abnormalities in sensory organs. The most commonly affected special sensory systems are the visual, hearing, and vestibular systems. Disorders of speech are a result of neurological or structural abnormalities.
    • Examples. blindness, hearing loss, vertigo, and aphasias
    • Diagnosis. Eye examinations for visual acuity and visual fields are used to diagnose vision problems. Otologic examinations and audiometric tests are both used to determine hearing loss. For vestibular issues, a comprehensive neuro-otolaryngologic exam is required to support the severity of vertigo.
  • Respiratory disorders are disorders that obstruct or restrict the normal airway passage from the air to the lungs.
    • chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, and cystic fibrosis
    • Aside from a detailed document of sign and symptoms, imaging techniques and pulmonary function tests are required.
  • Cardiovascular disorders are disorders that affect the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
    • Examples. chronic heart failure, recurrent arrhythmias, and peripheral arterial diseases
    • Cardiovascular impairments must be supported by signs, symptoms, laboratory findings, and the list of prescribed treatments and responses.
  • Digestive disorders are damages to a person’s gut and its accessory organs, such as the liver. Also, this includes any problems with a person’s nutrition.
    • chronic liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and malnutrition
    • A record of clinical and laboratory findings is necessary, which may involve some imaging techniques.
  • Genitourinary disorders are long-term disorders of the kidney and the rest of the urinary tract.
    • nephropathies and uropathies
    • As evidence, you will need laboratory findings and a kidney or bone biopsy.
  • Hematological disorders are disorders that disrupt the normal functioning of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and clotting factors.
    • anemias, thrombosis, and leukemia
    • Laboratory reports are vital to prove your medical condition in court.
  • Skin disorders are infectious, acquired, or hereditary conditions of the skin.
    • Ichthyosis, dermatitis, and burns
    • To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory results of biopsies and blood tests are required.
  • Endocrine disorders are medical conditions that cause hormonal imbalance.
    • Diabetes mellitus, and thyroid gland disorders
    • Further assessments on how the disability affects your work and daily activities will be done. This, alongside your age, education, and work experience, will determine if you need disability benefits.
  • Congenital disorders are conditions determined before or during birth.
    • Down syndrome
    • You will need to secure a laboratory report with karyotype analysis to distinguish mosaic from the non-mosaic type of Down syndrome.
  • Neurologic disorders are damages to the neural structures of the brain, spinal cord, and other nerves.
    • Epilepsy, stroke, brain injuries and tumors, parkinsonian syndrome, cerebral palsy, spinal cord disorders, and coma
    • To confirm the diagnosis, both medical history and laboratory findings are needed.
  • Mental disorders are various disorders that affect people’s thinking and emotional processes, preventing them from doing work or basic activities.
    • Schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and autism spectrum
    • In general, a copy of medical, psychiatric, and psychological history is required. Some conditions may need psychological testing and imaging findings for further proof.
  • Cancers and tumors are excessive growth and multiplication of a specific type of organ cells.
    • Skin, lung, breast, cervical, and prostate cancers
    • A document containing the type, extent, and site of the cancerous cells is important. A copy of the operative note or pathology reports can also be used as proof.
  • Immune system disorders are problems in the immune system, the body’s major line of defense against infections and diseases.
    • HIV infection and systemic lupus erythematosus
    • You will need the following documents: medical history, laboratory findings, biopsies, and imaging results.

We Can Help You Get Benefits For These and Possibly Other Medical Conditions

What about other medical conditions not listed above, such as chronic viral and bacterial infections and headaches? If these conditions have a lasting impact on your quality of life, you may apply for disability benefits. If you cannot walk or work because of your injury, then you are entitled to disability benefits. The SSA will thoroughly evaluate your condition alongside other information to see if you deserve these benefits.

As long as you have evidence for your claims, there’s a high chance you will win your case. As experts in personal injury and disability claims law in Michigan, we can provide our legal advice to make sure that you are represented in court.  Contact us today for a free consultation at (517) 347-6900.  No fees unless you win!

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