Physical & Mental Impairments That Qualify for Social Security Disability

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., our goal is simple: to help our clients gain access to the financial resources they need in order to cope with their illnesses, and live as normal a life as possible. For nearly 40 years, we have assisted clients with social security disability claims, and we are proud of our proven record of success.

Our team is the recipient of prestigious awards and accolades, and we always strive to apply our skill and experience to every case. If you are suffering from a physical or mental disorder that makes it impossible for you to work and produce income, you may be eligible to apply for disability. When you are ready to take the next steps, our personal injury attorneys will be here to help.

Reach us today by calling (844) 383-0565.

Common Physical & Mental Impairments

Common physical impairments that may qualify an individual for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits include a variety of conditions that significantly limit a person's ability to perform work-related activities. These conditions must meet specific criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and typically appear in their "Blue Book," a listing of qualifying impairments.

Some common physical impairments that qualify include:

• Musculoskeletal Disorders:
  • Spinal disorders (e.g., herniated discs, scoliosis)
  • Joint dysfunction (e.g., arthritis, degenerative joint disease)
  • Amputation or loss of function in limbs
  • Bone fractures that fail to heal properly
• Cardiovascular Conditions:
  • Chronic heart failure
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Peripheral artery disease
• Respiratory Disorders:
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Asthma
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Cystic fibrosis
• Neurological Disorders:
  • Epilepsy
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Digestive System Disorders:
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Liver disease
  • Chronic pancreatitis
• Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases):
  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Lung cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
• Kidney Disorders:
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
  • End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
  • Kidney failure requiring dialysis
• Immune System Disorders:
  • Lupus
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Scleroderma
• Skin Disorders:
  • Severe burns
  • Chronic skin infections
• Sensory Disorders:
  • Blindness or low vision
  • Hearing loss

Here are some common mental impairments that may qualify:

• Mood Disorders:
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety Disorders:
  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Panic disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders:
  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizoaffective disorder
  • Delusional disorder
• Intellectual Disabilities:
  • Intellectual developmental disorder (formerly mental retardation)
  • Low IQ and functional limitations
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
  • Autism
  • Asperger’s syndrome (considered part of the autism spectrum)
• Personality Disorders:
  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • Paranoid personality disorder
  • Antisocial personality disorder
• Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders:
  • Somatization disorder
  • Conversion disorder
  • Hypochondriasis
• Neurocognitive Disorders:
  • Dementia (including Alzheimer's disease)
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Cognitive impairments from stroke or other neurological conditions
• Eating Disorders:
  • Anorexia nervosa
  • Bulimia nervosa
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): In severe cases where functioning is greatly impacted.
• Substance Addiction Disorders (with lasting mental effects): Conditions like drug-induced psychosis or other cognitive and mental impairments caused by long-term substance use.
• Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: Disorders like hoarding disorder and body dysmorphic disorder, if they are severe enough to impair functioning.

These conditions must be severe and long-lasting (at least 12 months or expected to result in death) to qualify for SSD benefits. In addition to having a qualifying condition, applicants must also demonstrate that their impairment prevents them from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).

If you or your loved one is dealing with a debilitating disorder, filing a disability claim should be a top priority. Social security disability is set in place to help people who have been diagnosed with an illness that prevents them from performing activities at work, and it has helped countless people. Our lawyers can provide guidance, and submit a strong claim on your behalf.

Our team is ready to help. Call us today at (844) 383-0565 to make an appointment!