Qualifying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits requires an applicant to meet numerous requirements set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). One of the requirements set by the SSA is that an applicant must be suffering or diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition or disability. A qualifying medical condition is subject to the definition determined by the SSA. Every SSD applicant must meet the criteria to receive any SSD benefit.
What Medical Conditions Qualify for Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) Benefits?
DDB benefits and qualifications are determined by the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office in the state where the applicant resides. The DDS uses the rules set by federal laws and regulations and SSA policies and procedures to determine disability decisions for SSD benefits.
The medical conditions used by the DDS in evaluating an applicant’s file are set by the SSA’s list of criteria and guidelines.
For Adult Applicants Over the Age of 18:
The SSA considers an extensive list of impairments in adults over 18 to determine if an applicant qualifies for SSD benefits. These medical conditions include the following broad medical impairments:
- Cancer and malignant neoplastic diseases
- Cardiovascular issues
- Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
- Digestive conditions
- Endocrine conditions
- Genitourinary problems
- Hematological disorders
- Immune system problems
- Mental disorders
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Neurological problems
- Respiratory disorders
- Skin issues
- Special senses and speech impediments
Some of the specific medical conditions that may qualify an applicant for SSD benefits based on the list above include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Blindness or vision problems
- Cancer Diagnosis
- Chronic heart diseases
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CPRS)
- Deafness or hearing issues
- Hormone disorders
- Immune system conditions, including AIDS or HIV-positive diagnosis
- Mental disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neurological damage
- Obesity
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)
- Respiratory illness
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Seizures that cannot be controlled by medication
A complete list of the medical condition criteria applied in evaluating applicant children under 18 can be found here.
Some of the specific medical conditions that may qualify an applicant for SSD benefits based on the list above include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Blindness or vision problems established under Title XVI
- Cancer Diagnosis
- Chronic heart diseases
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CPRS)
- Deafness or hearing issues
- Hormone disorders
- Immune system conditions, including AIDS or HIV-positive diagnosis
- Mental disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neurological damage
- Obesity
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)
- Respiratory illness
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Seizures that cannot be controlled by medication
For Children Applicants Under the Age of 18
The SSA also evaluates children’s applicants under the legal age of 18 for eligibility under the SSD conditions. In addition to the broad list of medical conditions used in evaluating adult applicants, children applicants suffered or were born with low birth weight or failed to thrive.
A complete list of the medical condition criteria applied in evaluating applicant children under 18 can be found here.
If you or a loved one is eligible to claim Social Security Disability (SSD), you can count on us to assist you in filing your claim. At McKown and Myers, it’s our job to help Hoosiers like you get the compensation they need to get medical treatment and support their families. We’re here to answer your questions about your SSD application – call 765-668-7531 or complete our contact form here. There’s no obligation – we’re here to help.