If you’re living with a physical impairment that leaves you unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Understanding which physical impairments qualify for benefits and how to navigate the application process can be challenging. At Miller Disability Law, P.C., we’re here to walk you through every step of your disability claim.
Our skilled Tennessee disability lawyers can help you understand complex legal and medical language and strict eligibility requirements. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation if you think you qualify for disability benefits.
Who Is Eligible for Disability Benefits?
To get Social Security Disability, you must have a disability that meets the following criteria:
- Your condition has lasted or will last at least 12 months or result in death
- Your condition prevents you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
- Your condition meets or equals an impairment listing in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Blue Book
What Is the Blue Book?
The Blue Book is a guide of severe medical conditions that can qualify you for SSD. It explains the criteria you need to meet to receive benefits for each specific disability. The SSA considers a medical condition to be a qualifying impairment if it is listed in the Blue Book.
Impairments in the Blue Book
The Blue Book contains many types of mental and physical impairments. Each disability is under a major body system. These include:
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Special Senses and Speech
- Respiratory Disorders
- Cardiovascular System Disorders
- Digestive Disorders
- Genitourinary Disorders
- Hematological Disorders
- Skin Disorders
- Endocrine Disorders
- Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems
- Neurological Disorders
- Mental Disorders
- Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
- Immune System Disorders
Types of Physical Impairments That Qualify for Benefits
There are many parts of the body that can be affected by disease and disability. Some physical impairment examples that may push people to apply for disability benefits include:
- Arthritis
- Burns
- Cerebral Palsy
- Chronic Heart Failure
- Chronic Liver Disease (CLD)
- Diabetes
- Down syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
- Leukemia
- Lung Transplant
- Lupus
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Spinal Cord Injuries
This is only a short list of conditions that may impact a person’s ability to work, and therefore qualify for benefits. If you cannot maintain employment due to any type of physical disability, reach out to our law firm today.
What Is the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) Initiative?
The Compassionate Allowances initiative fast-tracks disability applications for people with the most serious conditions. This program flags claims where the impairment clearly meets disability standards. Some conditions include:
- Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
- Adult Onset Huntington Disease
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Aggressive forms of cancer
- Rare childhood diseases
CAL cases typically receive claim approval within weeks instead of months or years.
How To Know If You Qualify for SSD
Learning whether or not you qualify for disability benefits can be a complicated process. Your physical impairment must be medically diagnosed by a licensed healthcare professional, and:
- Meet medical criteria under a Blue Book listing, OR
- Equal an impairment listing in severity, OR
- Qualify for a Medical-Vocational Allowance
What Is a Medical-Vocational Allowance?
Even if your physical impairment is not listed in the Blue Book, you can still qualify for disability through a Medical-Vocational Allowance. This is another way to get benefits that looks at:
- Your age
- Your work history
- Your education level
- Your job skills
- Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
For example, if you can’t lift more than 10 pounds or stand for long periods, these limitations might keep you from working. The SSA will look at your limitations along with factors like your age and work experience. This will help them decide if you can reasonably be expected to do previous types of work or any new types of work, even with your condition.
If the SSA finds you’re unable to work due to your disability in combination with other factors, you will receive SSD.
Why Work With Miller Disability Law, P.C.?
At Miller Disability Law, P.C., we understand how challenging living with a physical impairment can be. Our dedicated team offers:
- Complete support throughout your application process
- Assistance with all paperwork and forms
- Help gathering and organizing crucial medical evidence
- Reliable communication with the SSA
- A deep understanding of Social Security Disability law
Get Help With Your Disability Claim Today
You don’t have to apply for disability benefits alone. Contact Miller Disability Law, P.C., for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients in Knoxville and across East Tennessee.
Our experienced disability lawyers will assess your case and help you understand your options. We know what common physical disabilities automatically qualify for benefits and the ones that don’t. Whether you need help applying for SSD with a qualifying condition or unlisted impairment, we’ll fight to get you the benefits you need!
