The Social Security Administration accepts the following list of impairments as legitimate disabilities. If your disability meets or equals a listed impairment to a level of severity, you will be found disabled for the purposes of Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income. Even if you do not meet one of the listed impairments, you may still be found disabled and receive benefits from SSA.
Musculoskeletal System Disorders
Joint dysfunctions, spinal disorders, amputation, burns (soft tissue)and fractures
Special Senses and Speech
Visual and hearing problems and loss of speech
Respiratory System Problems
Chronic pulmonary difficulties, asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic lung infections
Cardiovascular System Problems
Chronic heart failure, heart disease and chronic venous insufficiency
Digestive System Disorders
Obstruction of the esophagus, liver disease and colitis
Genitourinary System Problems
Renal function impairments and nephritic syndrome
Hematological Disorders
Chronic anemia, sickle cell disease, and coagulation defects
Skin Disorders
Ichthyosis, bullous disease and burns
Endocrine Systems
Thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus (with neuropathy)
Multiple Body Impairments
Down syndrome
Neurological Disorders
Epilepsy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy
Mental Disorders
Organic disorders, schizophrenia, affective disorders, personality disorders
Malignant Neoplastic Disorders (cancer)
Soft tissue tumors, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and leukemia
Immune System Disorders
Lupus, sclerosis, inflammatory arthritis and HIV infection
** PLEASE NOTE: The disease examples listed about under each impairment category are not exhaustive.
To view the lists on the Social Security Administration website, click on the following links:
Adult Listings (Part A)
Childhood Listings (Part B)
Note: a child under age 18 will be considered disabled if he or she has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments that causes marked and severe functional limitations, and that can be expected to cause death or that has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.
If the list is overwhelming, please call Disability Advisors to discuss your medical history and challenges. We can help you understand what Social Security is looking for when they award benefits. You don’t need to go through the process alone. We can offer the guidance you need. Call 1-800-249-7507 today.