What Type of Medical Diagnosis Do I Need to Be Eligible for SSDI?
After a serious accident or learning that you have a debilitating medical condition, you might be thinking about applying for Social Security disability through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA handles both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, which are available based on your work history and can be available to high-income and low-income earners alike, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, which are based on your having limited resources. For either type of disability payment, you must also meet a medical requirement to be eligible.
What type of medical diagnosis do you need to be eligible for SSD? The answer is not quite this simple. Our national SSD eligibility lawyer can explain in more detail below.
Medical Eligibility is Determined by the Effects of Your Medical Condition Rather Than Your Specific Diagnosis
Were you recently diagnosed with a serious chronic health condition, or a terminal illness? You might assume that your specific diagnosis — such as a particular heart condition, or a type of cancer — may be what qualifies you for SSD benefits. However, it is the effects of your condition that will determine your eligibility.
To meet medical eligibility requirements, you must have a condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or to result in your death, and it must be serious enough that you cannot engage in what the SSA determines to be “substantial gainful activity,” or SGA.
Understanding the Relevance of the SSA Blue Book
If your specific diagnosis is not what ultimately determines your eligibility, what is the relevance of the SSA Blue Book? This is a tool that lists a wide range of impairments for which a person can be eligible for SSD benefits.
In the Blue Book, there are a wide range of conditions listed, which means that being diagnosed with one of these conditions could make you eligible for Social Security disability benefits. In order to be eligible with one of these conditions, it must also be severe enough that it prevents you from engaging in SGA, and it must be expected to last at least 12 months or to result in your death. The Blue Book provides detailed information about the severity of different types of impairments and when those impairments can qualify a person for disability benefits.
Contact Our National SSD Eligibility Attorney for Assistance with Your Application Today
Do you have questions about your SSDi eligibility based on a recent medical diagnosis? It is important to remember that, as we explained above, your eligibility will not be based on the specific diagnosis but rather the effects of the condition for which you have been diagnosed. If you have any questions, or if you are ready to begin your SSDI application, you should seek help from one of the experienced national SSD eligibility lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz. We have years of experience representing clients in Social Security disability cases, and we can answer any questions you have and can begin working with you to ensure that you submit a complete and accurate application.
Sources:
ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html
ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm
