Disability Determinations by Impairment

The Social Security Blue Book - Listing of Impairments

The Blue Book covers both physical and mental impairments, and it discusses many serious diseases that can be disabling.

"Meeting" vs. "Equaling" a Social Security Disability Listing

If you are not eligible for benefits through one of Social Security's medical listings, you can still qualify by "medical equivalence".

Using "Staged" Conditions as an Argument for Disability Benefits

Arguing that your condition has progressed to a "late-stage", or later stage, can help win disability benefits at an appeal hearing.

Disability Determination for "Episodic" Conditions

For conditions that are episodic in nature - seizures/epilepsy, depression, anxiety and panic attacks, asthma, heart arrhythmias - Social Security considers the frequency and nature of episodes when determining eligibility for disability benefits.

Disability Determination for Alcoholism

You can no longer win Social Security disability by claiming alcoholism as an impairment, but many alcoholics suffer from other disabling conditions that may qualify.

Disability Determination for Anxiety Disorders

Read up on how Social Security evaluates disability claims based on generalized persistent anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Disability Determination for Back Problems

To get disability for back pain, you’ll have to show the Social Security that your pain is beyond the moderate back pain that many people experience and that you have trouble standing, walking, or sitting or long periods.

Disability Determination Following Back Surgery

Corrective surgery for degenerative disks, stenosis, or other back problems may leave someone unable to work - "disabled" according to Social Security - and eligible to receive monthly disability benefits.

Disability Determination for Bipolar Disorder

Here are some tips on how to get Social Security disability benefits for bipolar disorder.

Disability Determination for Cancer

An overview of what you need to qualify for Social Security disability benefits based on any type of cancer.

Disability Determination for Celiac Disease

If your condition is severe enough, or combined with impairments caused by other illnesses, you may get Social Security Disability benefits for celiac disease.

Disability Determination for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Getting Social Security disability benefits for CFS is difficult unless you have other medical signs based on objective medical evidence.

Disability Determination for Chronic Pulmonary Insufficiency

Meeting the disability requirements outlined by Social Security will automatically approve you for benefits.

Disability Determination for Depression

Social Security has a list of criteria you must fulfill to qualify for disability benefits for depression.

Disability Determination for Diabetes

It's difficult to qualify for Social Security disability benefits for diabetes unless you have other complications.

Disability Determination for Drug Addiction

If drug abuse has caused serious physical damage, you may be able to get disability benefits from Social Security.

Talk to a Disability Lawyer

Fill out this form to arrange a consultation with a disability lawyer in your area.

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability

Written by a former SSA medical consultant, Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability covers when you can get disability for over 200 medical conditions.

Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions: Get the Most out of Your Retirement & Medical Benefits

Nolo's book covers Medicaid rules for seniors and persons with disabilities.