Social Security Blue Book For Disabilities

Our Top Rated Social Security Disability Attorneys Can Help

At each of these steps, an adjudicator has some degree of discretion. If you are denied at the initial application stage, it is possible that the adjudicator at the reconsideration stage will have a different opinion on the criteria. You will also have the opportunity to present more evidence at the reconsideration stage.

If your initial claim is denied, your best bet is to talk to a Social Security disability attorney to help you strengthen your claim for the next stage of consideration. The disability attorneys at Keller & Keller are here to review your application and help you present a stronger case the next time around. Call our Indianapolis office to find out if we can help you.

Social Security Disability Qualifying Conditions

In order to receive Social Security Disability benefits, a person must have one of the Social Security disability qualifying conditions. Understanding the guidelines and qualifying conditions can be complicated. A Social Security disability lawyer can help people understand if their conditions qualify.

Listing 400 Cardiovascular System Disorders

These disorders refer to conditions that affect the heart as well as common blood problems that include heart disease, Aneurysms and chronic heart failure. The SSA will review each claim for this category and determine the level of limitations your heart issue will create for your ability to perform the requirements of your work. View full Blue Book List here

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Get Help From Our Arizona Ssdi & Ssi Attorneys Today

At Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys, we are focused on helping people and families secure the full and rightful Social Security disability that they deserve. If you have any specific questions about the SSD Blue Book, our attorneys are available to help. Call us now or connect with us online to arrange your free case evaluation. With a legal office in Phoenix, we provide Social Security disability representation throughout Arizona, including in Scottsdale, Payson, Tempe, Flagstaff, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Peoria, and Surprise.

Social Security Disability Qualifying Conditions Vision Loss

The Social Security Administration considers people with total vision loss disabled. Individuals with other visual impairments are not eligible unless their conditions worsen into statutory blindness. People with total vision loss will receive benefits if they meet non-medical criteria when applying for SSD benefits. Individuals with limited remaining vision may still meet the definition of blindness or otherwise qualify for benefits.

Medical Criteria

The SSA may consider the following conditions disabling:

• Statutory blindness- If corrected vision in the better eye is 20/200 or less, the individual is considered legally blind. Visual field contraction to an angle of 20 degrees or less in the better eye also constitutes statutory blindness.
• Poor visual efficiency- The SSA includes visual efficiency as a recognized impairment in the Blue Book. Efficiency less than 20 percent is automatically considered disabling, as is a visual impairment value greater than 1.00.
• Low vision- People who do not meet the above criteria can still qualify for benefits through a medical-vocational allowance. The SSA will evaluate the persons ability to work despite the vision impairment before awarding benefits.

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If Your Medical Condition Equals A Listing

Even if your condition doesnt exactly match a listing in the Blue Book, you may still qualify for benefits if your impairments are equally severe as a similar listing. The SSA acknowledges that it cant include every variant of a severe disability in the Blue Book and that there are numerous ways to document and diagnose similar illnesses. For example, using a different clinical test to get the same results as a test in the listing.

You may also qualify by having a combination of impairments that add up to the severity of a listed impairment, even if they dont qualify on their own. If the SSA decides that your condition is equally severe to those in the Disability handbook, you will still receive Disability benefits. If youre initially denied, a Disability attorney can help you appeal and argue your case.

Because its impossible to list every disabling injury and illness in a handbook, not every psychological or medical condition can be found in the SSA Blue Book. If youve been turned down for Disability but are unable to work due to a severe medical condition, contact the attorneys at the Disability Help Center by calling 1-888-418-8860 today for a free initial consultation. Well help you fight for the benefits you deserve.

Qualifying For Benefits With A Listed Condition

Applicants who suffer from listed conditions that meet the necessary criteria may have improved chances of qualifying for SSDI. To determine if people meet the medical listings, Social Security reviews their submitted medical records. During this review, the SSA seeks to ensure applicants experience the severity of symptoms, have undergone the applicable laboratory tests, have received the necessary clinical findings and have impairments that are expected to last at least one year or result in death.

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Get Help From A Qualified Attorney Today

A qualified attorney at our firm is here to help you every step of the way. We are well-versed in the disability determination process and how to meet the SSAs definition of a disability. Claimants who seek legal representation may have a greater chance of being approved than those who do not.

Read some reviews from satisfied clients and contact our office anytime, day or night, to schedule a risk-free legal consultation. There is no obligation to have our firm represent you after this initial meeting and no upfront fees to investigate or work on a case.

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How The Blue Book Impacts Your Claim

The Blue Book has very specific criteria for disabling conditions and the requirements that must be met to gain approval based on the Blue Book. The Blue Book is written in a very complex and technical nature because it is designed for medical and Social Security disability professionals rather than the public.

Working with your physician or a disability attorney can help you improve your odds of being awarded benefits because they can understand the technical requirements of each condition and help you gather the evidence that you need to support your claim. While it is not guaranteed, if your condition meets the specific criteria set forth in the Blue Book the odds of approval are improved significantly. This proves that you do have a disabling condition that meets the SSA guidelines outlined in the Blue Book and that has existed long enough to be considered for benefits.

If your claim is denied benefits, this is beneficial when appealing the denial and if you pursue a medical-vocational allowance to get approved for monthly disability benefits. The Blue Book is very specific in its criteria listings for different medical conditions, so you will know if your condition meets the criteria established to be considered disabled for that specific medical problem. It also indicates which tests are needed to confirm diagnosis and severity of your condition. Here is more information on how the Blue Book can help your claim.

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Understanding The Disability Blue Book

The Blue Book is a guide for the Social Security Administration to use when evaluating the disabilities of applications for social security disability benefits. It is available online for anyone to use.

The Blue Book has two sections, one of which is Adult Listings and the other is Childhood Listings . Each of the listings has different impairments, or disabling conditions. Each of the medical conditions on the listings provides the following:

• an overview of the impairment
• what symptoms or diagnosis qualify for disability benefits
• what evidence, including test results and documentation are required to qualify for disability benefits.

In both the Adult and the Childhood Listings, the medical conditions are divided into precise groups linked to the major body systems. These include the following

Musculoskeletal System, Special Senses and Speech, Respiratory Disorders, Cardiovascular System, Digestive System, Genitourinary Disorders, Hematological Disorders, Skin Disorders, Endocrine Disorders, Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems, Neurological Disorders, Mental Disorders, Cancer , and Immune System. You can qualify for more than one listing in the Blue Book.

Many conditions, like diabetes aren’t listed impairments in the Blue Book. To prove that you’re disabled even though your medical condition is not listed in the Blue Book, you must meet the SSA’s definition of disability.

These are found in the Social Security Administrations Blue Book.

1.00

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Social Security Disability Qualifying Conditions Early

Alzheimers is classified as early-onset when it develops before the age of 65, according to the SSD Blue Book. This neurological condition can have various detrimental effects on short-term memory, communication skills, reasoning, and behavior. Since Alzheimers is degenerative, victims often gradually lose the ability to work and even care for themselves. When this occurs, victims may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

Medical Criteria

Victims of early-onset Alzheimers may receive SSD benefits by proving they meet criteria in the Social Security Administrations Blue Book. The book includes a listing of organic mental disorders, which claims examiners use when evaluating claims involving any form of dementia.

Early-onset Alzheimers may be considered disabling if victims can document one recognized symptom of reduced cognitive function. Acceptable symptoms include memory problems, IQ loss, personality changes and loss of awareness of time and place. In addition to one of these symptoms, people seeking SSD benefits must document two of the following issues:

• Inability to act appropriately in social environments
• Difficulty maintaining focus and pace to complete tasks
• Limited ability to perform regular daily activities, including self-care
• Recurrent episodes in which symptoms become markedly worse

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Listing 300 Respiratory System Disorder

Respiratory System Disorders refer to disabling conditions that cause breathing problems and prevent proper lung function including conditions like COPD, emphysema, tuberculosis and pneumonia. This category will also include some cancers like mesothelioma and lung cancer, as well as conditions such as sleep apnea and cystic fibrosis. To determine if you have an eligible disability under this category, the SSA will make their decision based on the results of breathing tests administered by a health professional that determine how restricted airflow is through the respiratory system. Respiratory conditions that are not consistent, such as asthma, will be evaluated based on how frequently an individual is affected by the episodes and how they interfere with their ability to work due to the need for medical attention. View full Blue Book List here

Social Security Disability Qualifying Conditions Back Injuries

Low back pain is the second most common reason for doctor visits in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of disability among Americans over 45, leaving an estimated 5 million people temporarily or permanently disabled. Chicago residents who cannot work due to back injuries may need to collect Social Security Disability benefits. Unfortunately, claiming benefits for back injuries presents unique challenges.

Medical Criteria

The Social Security Administration only awards benefits for back injuries that are severe. To qualify for benefits, an applicant must meet an impairment listing and relevant criteria in the SSA Blue Book.

The SSD Blue Book recognizes various spinal conditions involving degeneration, inflammation or nerve issues. These include:

• Disc problems, such as degenerative disc disease or herniation
• Inflammation due to rheumatoid arthritis, spinal arachnoiditis or spondylitis
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis

These conditions are considered disabling under Blue Book impairment listing criteria if they cause nerve compression. This must be evident through symptoms such as limited motion, pain or loss of sensation, reflexes, or motor skills. Alternately, people with spinal arachnoiditis or lumbar spinal stenosis may qualify for benefits by meeting condition-specific medical criteria listed in the Blue Book.

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You Could Be Entitled To $3148 Per Month Get A Free Disability Evaluation

Because the Blue Book is very technical, you should consult with your physician or a disability attorney or disability advocate for help understanding what it means in regards to disability qualifications.

The terms are complicated and detailed, so most people who read the Blue Book may be confused by its content. It was written to target medical professionals and Social Security disability experts, so someone in that field can help you with your claim and help you understand the requirements set forth by the specific listing that meet the criteria of your medical condition.

The professional who helps you can also make sure you gather the proper documentation and evidence that you need to support your claim and prove that you are disabled.

Dont Give Up Hope If Your Condition Isnt Listed In The Blue Book

The online version of the Social Security Blue Book is occasionally updated with new diagnostic standards. The Social Security Administration recognizes that medicine is always a developing science that develops over time. Therefore, even if your specific diagnosed illness is not listed as disabling condition in the Blue Book, you may still be able to qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits.

At Schmidt Kramer, our Harrisburg disability attorneys have found success in helping clients secure SSDI benefits with these three approaches:

• Arguing that our clients symptoms and limitations are more serious than those of an established listing in the Blue Book, and therefore she should be considered disabled.
• Helping our client work through a consultative examination, which will provide additional medical information to confirm the conclusions of the applicants medical evidence or even establish a Blue Book diagnosis.
• Requesting a residual functional capacity evaluation to determine that our clients physical or psychological limitations make him unsuitable for employment.

Over the last 25 years, our Social Security Disability lawyers in Harrisburg, PA have done a sterling job helping your neighbors and friends in central Pennsylvania obtain the disability benefits they need.

If you need our help today, give us a call at or toll-free to obtain a confidential and FREE discussion about your case with one of our attorneys.

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Listing 500 Digestive System Disorders

Digestive System Disorders specifically refer to disabilities that affect your digestive tract. While there are many digestive orders that are listed in this section that can qualify, there is a very specific set of requirements and a complex set of medical criteria that you must meet in order to receive benefits for this category. Some of the more common conditions that qualify for this category are Chronic Liver Disease, Crohns Disease, Liver Transplants, Hepatitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease as well as Gastrointestinal Hemorrhaging that requires blood transfusions. View full Blue Book List here

Social Security Disability Qualifying Conditions Autism

Autism and autism spectrum disorder are general medical terms for a complex set of brain development disorders. The disorders are generally characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors, all in varying degrees.

According to Autism Speaks, approximately 1 in 88 American children are on the autism spectrum ten times the number of children with autism 40 years ago. Studies show that boys are three to four times more likely than girls to develop autism, with an estimated 1 out of 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls diagnosed with autism in the United States.

Medical Criteria

For autism to be one of the social security disability conditions, the applicant must show that he or she exhibits deficient reciprocal social interaction, deficient communication/imagination, and a restricted repertoire of activities and interests. In addition, these deficiencies much cause serious limitations in at least two of the following categories:

• communicative/cognitive functioning
• sustaining concentration, persistence, or pace.

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What Evidence Do You Need To Prove You Meet The Blue Book Listing

Almost all the listings in the Blue Book require objective medical data and test results to prove you meet the listing. The SSA places great emphasis on the existence of laboratory findings such as x-rays, MRIs , blood tests, exercise tests, and psychological tests when reviewing your disability claim.

The Blue Book also includes medical requirements that can’t be measured scientifically. For example, with most mental impairments, you’ll need to provide evidence of “marked” limitations in the areas of:

• interactions with others
• performing daily tasks , and/or
• being able to focus on and complete tasks.

You’ll need to show that your condition significantly interferes with your ability to functionâmaking it impossible for you to work full time. But the definitions aren’t precise, and therefore leave some wiggle room when arguing whether you meet a disability listing.

To determine whether you have significant problems with your daily functioning, the SSA will rely heavily on the medical chart notes. This includes notes from your doctor and other healthcare providers with whom you have an ongoing relationship or a doctor/psychiatrist who performs a one-time consultative examination .

Quite often medical experts will disagree with each other on whether you meet a listing. If this happens, and the SSA denies your disability claim, you can and should appeal the denial.

Listing 900 Endocrine Disorders

An endocrine disorder is a medical condition in which the endocrine glands function abnormally, resulting in a hormonal imbalance. The primary endocrine glands are the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and pancreas and diseases that qualify for this category typically affect those specific glands such as Diabetes, Thyroid Disorders,Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia. The SSA will evaluate your disorder to determine if the condition is severe enough to preclude you from performing the basic requirements of work to decide if you will qualify for benefits. View full Blue Book List here

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