Talk to a Disability Attorney
Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area
Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area
Medical Eligibility for SSDI or SSI
Related Ads
The Social Security Administration uses the same disability evaluation process for both SSI and SSDI (Social Security disability). It is a five-step process, and is meant to rule out all but the most severe disabilities. SSI and SSDI do not pay benefit for partial disabilities.
How the SSA Determines Disability
There are several ways to qualify: through a listed impairment, your RFC, or a medical-vocational allowance.
The quickest, and hardest, way to qualify for disability benefits is to meet an official SSA description of an illness or impairment.
Your residual functional capacity is what you can do after considering the effect of your impairment.
If you can't do your prior work, the SSA will consider your RFC, age, educational level, and skill set to determine if there is any type of job you can do.
Medical Conditions That Are Eligible for Disability Benefits
The SSA sees more disability applications for back problems than any other impairment.
Your heart condition must be quite serious for the SSA to agree you can't work.
Cirrhosis of the liver, whether alcohol-related or not, is a very common reason for people to apply for disability benefits.
Medical Evidence Needed for Disability
Have objective evidence from an M.D. or D.O. that is timely, accurate, and adequate.
If your medical record doesn't have what the SSA needs, it may send you to a consulting doctor.
In the weeks before your important, take notes about what you find yourself not able to do.
Self-Help Resources
Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability: Getting & Keeping Your Benefits
Written by a former chief medical consultant for the SSA, this book explains the guidelines for medical eligibility and the specific qualification requirements for over 100 medical conditions.
Written by a former chief medical consultant for the SSA, this book explains the guidelines for medical eligibility and the specific qualification requirements for over 100 medical conditions.
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Find us on Google+
Watch us on YouTube
Listen to us on iTunes
LA-WS4:0.9.18.120216.13046