What Health Conditions Qualify for Disability in Pennsylvania?

A lot of thoughts go through a person’s mind when he or she is injured and becomes unable to work. Worrying about how to pay the bills and how to take care of life’s necessities is often the biggest concern. Being able to afford medical care without an income, especially if your medical insurance is canceled because you aren’t working, can often be difficult.

When you are considering applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, there are several factors for you to consider. Certain illnesses like cancer can often meet the requirements for a qualifying medical condition. Cancer, however, isn’t the only medical issue that qualifies for SSDI or SSI. There are several medical conditions that qualify a person for SSDI or SSI. The Social Security Administration keeps a listing of the conditions that qualify for benefits. This is informally known as the blue book. There are lists for children and adults; however, these lists are very similar.

Generally, to be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD), if any physical and/or mental impairments preclude your ability to work for a period of 12 months, you may be entitled to SSD benefits.

Numerous Conditions Can Qualify for Disability Benefits in Pennsylvania

The Social Security Blue Book lists the conditions that might qualify an adult for Social Security Disability. This list is updated periodically with new conditions. The listings are divided into 14 categories. Each category contains the information that pertains to the conditions that are included in the category.

The listings in the blue book are musculoskeletal system, special senses and speech, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, genitourinary disorders, hematological disorders, skin disorders, endocrine disorders, congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems, neurological, mental disorders, cancer and immune system disorders.

Anyone who is considering filing for SSD should find out if the condition he or she has is on the list in the blue book. Some conditions that are listed in the blue book have special criteria that must be present in order for the person to qualify for SSD.

In the case of cancer, only certain cancers will qualify a person for SSD. There are cases in which a person might qualify for SSD for a cancer that isn’t on the list. The SSA might consider therapies for cancer and how they affect a person if the effects are severe enough to prevent gainful employment.

Some people who have a condition that prevents them from working but that isn’t on the list might have to fight for their benefits. While this can be difficult, it might be easier if you work with someone who understands the SSD system.

Adult Conditions That Qualify

Adults with the following conditions might qualify for SSDI or SSI. Generally, the conditions that qualify for benefits are those that would stop a person from being able to hold a job. In the blue book, these conditions are broken down by body system.

• Chronic heart failure
• Cystic fibrosis
• Asthma
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Sickle cell anemia
• AIDS
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Schizophrenia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Liver disease
• Vision loss
• Hearing loss
• Certain musculoskeletal problems
• Complications of diabetes
• Bilateral carpal tunnel (both hands)
• Degenerative disk disease
• Herniated disc (back injury)
• Multiple sclerosis or lupus
• Migraines/severe headaches
• Seizure disorders
• Traumatic brain injury
• Chronic pain disorders (RSD)
• Clinical depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar disorder
•  Schizophrenia
• Panic attacks/anxiety disorders

* There is not an exact list of disabling conditions recognized by the Social Security Administration. These are just a few conditions for which we have successfully helped people obtain benefits.

How Can You Make Applying for Disability Less Stressful?

Applying for Social Security programs can be a very stressful experience. While there isn’t a way to completely remove the stress from the process, it might be possible to reduce the stress some by ensuring you are prepared for the process when you apply.

What Information Do You Need to Gather?

You need to provide your birth certificate, banking information, work history and a host of other information as part of the application process. If you are married or have minor children, you need their Social Security numbers. You will also need contact information for someone who the Social Security Administration can contact if they can’t get in touch with you. Additionally, you need to know contact information for all hospitals, clinics and doctors you have seen. You need any medical records you have, names of all medications you take, your patient ID numbers and the dates on which you have been seen by your doctors.

What Forms Do You Need to Complete and What is the Process After They Are Completed?

You must complete the application and the Adult Disability Report. Once you have done that, you will have to sit for an interview. It is imperative that you have the aforementioned documents ready for that interview. A complete and accurate application, as well as being prepared for the interview, might help the application process to be a little less stressful.

When you complete the application, be as accurate as possible. There is a chance that your application for Social Security Disability for an injury will be denied. If that occurs, you should explore your options for appealing the decision.

Don’t Let Uncertainty Stop You From Filing for Disability

We know that you might feel as if you are in a hopeless spot. If you are expected to be unable to work for at least 12 months, you might qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance. Some people might not feel comfortable applying for SSD benefits because they have heard about people being denied for benefits. While it is true that many initial applications are denied, some of those applications are approved after the applicant appeals.

If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition that is preventing you from working, you should file for SSD right away. We can help you from the time you file your initial application, and we can help you file an appeal if your initial application is denied.

There are some instances in which you might be able to start receiving benefits as soon as six months after your date of disability. You don’t have to wait until you have been off of work for 12 months to apply for disability, so don’t wait any longer to apply.

If you are uncertain about filing a claim for SSD because you have questions, we can get you the answers you need so you can make an informed choice about proceeding with your claim.

Even if a person’s condition isn’t listed in the blue book, it might still be possible for him or her to receive benefits. They will have to prove that the condition limits their residual functional capacity. When the RFC is affected in a restrictive manner, claims for SSDI or SSI might be approved. When you file for SSDI or SSI, your claim might be denied. This means that you will have to decide if you are going to appeal the decision. The appeal process can be complex, but you have to move quickly to ensure you meet the time limits set for appeals. Working with someone familiar with the processes for seeking SSDI or SSI might help you to understand how to proceed.