Figuring out whether you qualify for Social Security Disability can often be a complex process. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed recently with a medical condition or has become disabled, you might want to apply for disability benefits. At this point, you might want to consult an attorney, since you may be wondering, “Which illnesses qualify for Social Security Disability?”
While you are not required to hire an attorney to file your claim and start the application process, they can be invaluable for a positive outcome and for the success of your claim. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies many more claims than it typically approves, and a knowledgeable attorney can help you get the benefits you deserve.
What are the Most-Approved Disabilities That Qualify for Benefits?
For Social Security Disability benefits, the most approved disabilities are usually arthritis and some additional conditions that impact the performance of someone’s musculoskeletal system, as those conditions would impair someone’s ability to work. Also, arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions are common ailments among people in the United States. As a result, these conditions affect more people in the workforce than other disabilities.
What Types of Disabilities or Medical Conditions Could Qualify for Disability Benefits?
Disabilities or medical conditions that qualify for disability benefits often include the following:
- Aneurysm
- Ankle, back, head, hip, knee, or neck injuries
- Arthritis (inflammatory and rheumatoid)
- Cancer, like bladder, brain, breast, lung, pancreas, prostate, skin, stomach, or thyroid
- Chronic fatigue conditions
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic migraines
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- HIV or AIDS
- Leukemia
- Loss of senses
- Loss of speech
- Lung transplants
- Lyme disease
- Lymphoma
- Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, or PTSD
- Multiple sclerosis
- Sickle cell disease
- Skin conditions, like severe skin burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Stroke
- Thyroid conditions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
This is a non-exhaustive list, and your specific condition might still qualify you for disability benefits.
Which Disabilities Are Harder to Prove?
Some disabilities are considered to be ‘invisible’ and are therefore more difficult to prove as being eligible for disability benefits. Some of these disabilities are:
- Autoimmune Disorders: These include conditions such as multiple sclerosis with unpredictable episodes. These usually need diagnostic testing to establish their existence.
- Chronic Pain Disorders: Conditions such as fibromyalgia can cause musculoskeletal pain and other symptoms, with effects varying with each person. There are no specific diagnostic tests for all disorders.
- Degenerative Conditions: These include illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, where the impact and disability effects can get worse over time.
- Intellectual and Developmental Conditions: These conditions, like autism, are difficult to prove because they can affect people differently. There isn’t a definitive diagnostic test for autism.
- Mental Health Conditions: These include anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and other personality disorders.
It can be hard to prove your condition’s severity when it’s hidden. Also, each of the aforementioned disabilities can affect each person differently and are therefore subjective. Their subjective nature can also make the disability harder to prove, especially if the effects of your disability might fluctuate over time.
Unfortunately, a lack of information about a condition can also make it hard to prove as the grounds for benefits, as some conditions don’t have definite diagnostic tests. Furthermore, some disabilities have a negative stigma, often being misunderstood by the general public and even healthcare providers.
However, it’s worth it to provide evidence to qualify for benefits. To do so, you must show how you’re severely impacted by the condition and that your decreased ability to work is connected directly to the disability. Speak with your healthcare providers and a well-informed attorney to fully address any benefits you might be entitled to following a recent medical diagnosis or determination of a disability.
FAQs
Q: What’s the Five-Year Rule for Social Security Disability?
A: Although it seems strict, the five-year rule for Social Security Disability exists to make sure people maintain an interrupted work history and have contributed recently to Social Security taxes. If you don’t meet the five-year standards, you likely won’t qualify for benefits. However, you could apply to other programs, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), that are need-based. If you haven’t worked ever, you can’t get benefits. A disability attorney can further discuss the implications of the five-year rule.
Q: How Can I Improve My Chances of Qualifying for Disability Benefits?
A: To improve your chances of qualifying for disability benefits, you can make sure you:
- Gather all relevant medical documentation from every treating physician or healthcare provider.
- Follow all recommended treatment plans.
- Attend specialist consultations if needed.
- Keep a detailed journal of your disability.
Also, you can think about retaining an experienced disability lawyer to help navigate your application process. They can also represent your benefits claim effectively and comprehensively.
Q: Can I Qualify for Benefits With a Hard-to-Prove Disability in California?
A: Even if you live with a hard-to-prove disability, you can still qualify for benefits in California. On your application for benefits, you should fully describe how your disabling condition makes it impractical for you to work.
You should also consider seeking professional help, as a knowledgeable Social Security Disability attorney can assist with the entire process. They can also make sure your specific challenges are conveyed to the Social Security Administration. You might also explore the potential for any workers’ compensation benefits.
Q: Is It True Everyone Gets Turned Down the First Time They Apply for Disability Benefits?
A: No, not everyone gets turned down the first time they apply for disability benefits, but it’s unfortunately very customary. A denial doesn’t necessarily mean the condition didn’t qualify, and the reason for the denial could simply be a lack of medical documentation. In other cases, the application could have listed an incomplete work history or contained general inconsistencies in the provided information. If you are denied benefits, you can file an appeal, and an attorney can assist with this process.
Contact Trusted Disability Benefits Attorneys Right Away
If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition or suffers from a disability, you can speak with a trusted attorney to discuss which illnesses qualify for Social Security Disability. The attorneys at Gade & Parekh, LLP, have been successfully fighting for their clients and helping them with the complex application and disability claims process. Contact our team today to discuss your case.
