Some medical conditions are specifically classified as disabilities under SSA’s definition, but other medical conditions may or may not be disabilities, depending on your age, education, work skills, and work experience. Therefore, it is important to know when you apply for SSDI benefits what conditions are considered disabilities in Greenville. Contact a dedicated SSDI lawyer and schedule an appointment to begin reviewing your potential legal options.
Defining Disability for SSA Purposes
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has its own definition of disability that it uses to determine whether individuals are entitled to Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits.
In order to be a disability for the purposes of SSDI, the applicant’s medical condition must be sufficiently severe that they cause them to be unable to perform any type of work that they otherwise would be able to do. A medical condition may be severe if it significantly limits a person’s ability to complete basic work activities, such as walking, standing, and lifting.
A determination of sufficient severity, however, does not end the inquiry. The individual’s medical conditions at issue also must have lasted, or are expected to last at least one year, or result in death. Additionally, the person’s medical condition must cause them to be totally disabled, rather than partially or temporarily disabled. SSDI is only available for individuals with complete long-term disabilities.
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Social Security Impairment Listings
The SSA maintains a listing of impairments for each major body system that it automatically considers to be severe for the purposes of determining eligibility for disability benefits. This means that if someone’s medical condition meets one of these impairment listings, the SSA assumes that the individuals have a severe disability that prevents them from working. As long as the person is otherwise eligible for SSDI, the SSA will approve their claims for benefits.
Disabilities that Prevent Substantial Gainful Employment
Even if a particular medical condition does not meet an impairment listing, it is still possible for an individual to qualify for SSDI benefits. Under this standard, SSA looks at whether a person’s medical condition prevents them from performing their past type of work or any other types of work based on age, education, and work experience.
If SSA determines that the applicant cannot perform any type of work activities due to their medical condition, then they will qualify for SSDI benefits so long as they meet all other eligibility criteria.
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Compassionate Allowances and Quick Disability Determinations
For individuals with particular medical conditions that are highly likely to result in a finding of eligibility for SSDI benefits, SSA offers two different expedited claim processes.
Under the Compassionate Allowances program, SSA officials can quickly identify certain diagnoses that meet SSA standards for disability benefits. These diseases include many forms of cancer, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, adult brain disorders, and some rare disorders that impact children.
SSA’s other fast-track process is Quick Disability Determinations. This process uses high-speed advanced technology to identify initial applications for disability benefits in which a favorable determination of disability is highly likely. Individuals identified through this expedited process may be able to receive approval in days as opposed to months.
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Consult an Attorney Today About Conditions Considered Disabilities in Greenville
If you believe that your medical conditions prevent you from working, SSDI benefits may be available to you. However, it is essential that you understand what conditions are considered disabilities in Greenville to determine if you meet the SSA standard of disability.
An experienced Greenville SSDI benefits attorney may be of assistance to you in understanding the SSA disability definition and how your specific circumstances fit within that definition.
Call (800)785-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form