Advocating And Protecting Your Rights For Over 45 Years

Qualifying Medical Conditions For SSD

Not only can living with a disabling health condition be physically and emotionally painful, but it can hit you financially, too. If you have a disabling condition and are unable to work, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

The process of claiming SSD can be complex. Unfair denials are common. At Bahrie Law, PLLC, we have been successfully helping clients in Metro Detroit (Livonia), in Lansing and throughout Michigan obtain the benefits they need since 1979.

Attorneys Justin M. Bahrie and Nicholas A. Kipa have argued Social Security Disability cases all the way up to the US Supreme Court.

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides financial assistance to individuals with disabilities.

SSDI is available to workers who have paid into the Social Security system and become disabled before reaching retirement age.

Conditions That May Entitle You To SSDI Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) assesses whether or not an individual qualifies for SSD benefits. SSA does have a “Listing of Impairments” that includes many different conditions that, when they include certain symptoms, qualify as disabling.

However, you do not have to have a condition on that list – or at the level of severity shown on the list – to qualify for SSD benefits. Any impairment, mental or physical, that prevents you from earning substantial gainful activity and has lasted or is expected to last at least a year (or result in death) can qualify.

Here’s an overview of major categories:

  1. Musculoskeletal Disorders: Conditions that affect the bones, joints, and muscles, such as arthritis, spinal injuries, and amputations.
  2. Cardiovascular Conditions: Heart and circulatory system disorders, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, and stroke.
  3. Neurological Disorders: Conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy.
  4. Mental Health Disorders: Conditions that affect mental health, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  5. Immune System Disorders: Conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
  6. Cancer: Various types of cancer, including breast, lung, colon, and leukemia.
  7. Respiratory Illnesses: Conditions that affect the lungs, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and cystic fibrosis.
  8. Digestive Tract Problems: Conditions that affect the digestive system, such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
  9. Kidney Disease: Conditions that affect the kidneys, such as chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, and kidney transplants.
  10. Hematological Disorders: Conditions that affect the blood, such as anemia, sickle cell disease, and bleeding disorders.

In many cases, people qualify for benefits based on a combination of conditions. Our SSD lawyers can help clarify whether or not you may be eligible.

Proving Your Condition

For a condition to be recognized, it must be “medically determinable,” meaning it must be diagnosed and documented by a healthcare professional. Here’s how you can strengthen your claim:

  • Medical Documentation: Provide comprehensive medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history.
  • Consistent Treatment: Demonstrate ongoing medical treatment and adherence to prescribed therapies.
  • Functional Impact: Show how your condition affects your ability to perform work-related tasks.

Application Process

Applying for SSD benefits involves several steps:

  1. Determine Eligibility: Assess if your condition meets the SSA’s criteria.
  2. Gather Documentation: Compile necessary medical records and personal information.
  3. Submit Application: Apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Bahrie Law, PLLC can help you with your initial application.
  4. Await Decision: The initial decision can take several months. Be prepared for potential delays.

Learn more about the application process.

Dealing with Denials

A significant number of initial SSD applications are denied. If this happens, don’t be discouraged:

  • Appeal the Decision: You have 60 days to appeal. The appeal process includes reconsideration and possibly a hearing before an administrative law judge.
  • Seek Legal Help: An experienced attorney from Bahrie Law, PLLC can assist in navigating the complexities of the appeals process, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.

Learn more about the appeals process.

Start Your SSD Claim Today

Claiming SSD benefits can be complex and it’s important to initiate your claim as soon as you can. Our attorneys at Bahrie Law, PLLC, are very familiar with the claims process, and we will fight for your entitlement to SSD benefits.

Call us today at 888-473-1289 or use our online form to arrange a free consultation.