The Social Security Administration (SSA) compiles statistics of common disabilities in each disability category. As you apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits or appeal your denied claim, it may be useful to you to know these different categories and common qualifying disabilities within each one.
If you have a physical or mental condition that is listed in the SSA’s “Blue Book,” or List of Impairments, then your condition will be considered to be so severe that you are considered to be “disabled.”
However, even if you do not have one of the listed impairments, you typically can still qualify for SSD benefits if:
- Your condition is determined to be equal in severity to one that is listed, or
- You cannot do the work you did before or any other type of work.
If your claim was denied for medical reasons, the law firm of Frank M. Eidson, P.A., can closely review your case, including all medical and work records. We have experience with helping disabled workers in Orlando, Winter Park and elsewhere in Florida to appeal denied claims. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue
Roughly 34 percent of disability awards have gone to those with musculoskeletal or connective tissue impairments, according to the SSA. These disabilities involve joints, ligaments, nerves and muscles in the limbs, back and neck. Examples are:
- Arthritis
- Back pain (scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, ruptured disc or spinal disorders)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD).
Mental
The SSA reports that nearly 20 percent of disability benefits are awarded to those with mental disorders. These disorders are mental or bodily conditions that primarily impact a person’s personality, mind, and emotions and seriously impair his or her normal psychological functioning. This category includes:
- Mood disorders (anxiety, depression and panic attacks)
- Schizophrenia
- Organic brain disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Autism or Asperger’s syndrome
- Alcoholism or drug addiction.
Circulatory
Roughly 11 percent of disability awards go to those with circulatory disorders. This is an impairment that affects the circulatory system. It can arise from problems with the heart, blood vessels or blood. Examples are:
- Angina
- High blood pressure / hypertension
- Coronary artery disease
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Congenital heart defects.
Neoplasms (Cancer)
A little more than nine percent of benefits awarded are to persons with neoplasms. These are tumors, or abnormal masses of tissue. They can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). This list includes:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer.
Nervous System and Sensory Organs
Disorders in the nervous system and sensory organs account for about eight percent of the disability benefits awarded by the SSA. This list includes disorders that affect the network of nerve cells and fibers that transmit nerve impulses between parts of the body and disorders of the sense organs (eyes, ears, skin, tongue and nose). This category includes:
- Sciatica
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Neuralgia
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME, or extreme fatigue)
- Blindness
- Hearing loss.
Contact an Orlando / Winter Park Disability Benefits Attorney
If you believe that you may have one of the above-listed disabilities or another unlisted disability, the best step is to contact a lawyer who handles disability cases on a regular basis.
Orlando Social Security disability attorney Frank M. Eidson understands the process of applying for benefits and appealing denied claims. He can examine your case and provided a personalized assessment of what you can do to pursue any SSD benefits you deserve.
Don’t wait to take action. Call or contact us online today and get started on your case.
