How can Indiana residents find out if their medical condition qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has what it calls the “blue book,” which is a list of medical impairments that qualify Americans to receive payments for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as long they meet specific qualification criteria.

If you have a condition listed in the blue book, then you have a good chance of being approved for disability benefits. There are a number of qualifying conditions, and they include everything from respiratory illnesses to neurological disorders to mental impairments to blood disorders.

But what if your condition isn’t on the list? Can you still qualify for disability benefits?

The short answer is yes, but the explanation is a bit more complex.

First, your condition has to have been the subject of a clinical or lab test and supported by research.

Additionally, the condition must affect what is called your residual functional capacity — or the exertion limitations you have. That means what you can lift, what you can carry or even how well you can bend down or cope with conditions such as depression or anxiety.

No matter what your condition is, you likely will need to include results of a physical exam, MRI, CAT scan, blood panels, X-rays and other diagnostic tests with your application.

You will need your personal physician on your team. But you also might need to call on an Indiana attorney with experience in disability cases to help you with your filing — especially if you have a condition that isn’t on the list.