3 Keys To Understanding Common Disabling Condition

Maggie Schott
June 6, 2020

While every Social Security disability claim is unique, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has created a process for examining claims and determining their validity. The more you understand about how SSA evaluates disabling conditions, the better prepared you will be to file a claim.

At the Law Office of Maggie R. Schott, PLLC, working with an attorney who focuses their practice on Social Security disability law as you prepare your claim can increase your chances of success. Our firm is led by lawyer Maggie Schott, who has advocated for disability clients in Eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle for many years. We can provide strategic counsel that will enhance your likelihood of qualifying for benefits or winning a claim denial on appeal.

3 Things To Know About Common SSA Disabling Conditions

Among the most important facts to know about how the SSA looks at SSI or SSDI claims are these:

1. The SSA has a list of disabling conditions that automatically qualify a claimant for disability. This listing of medical impairments is also known as the agency’s “blue book.” These medically approved impairments include:

Vision and hearing loss
Chronic heart failure
Coronary artery disease
Musculoskeletal issues, including back injuries or bone/joint conditions
HIV/AIDS
Lupus
Sickle cell anemia
Inflammatory bowel disease
Mental health conditions

2. If your condition is not on the SSA’s list of medically approved impairments, you may still qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. Medical evidence is particularly important in these cases, and your ailment must still be a medically determinable condition. In other words, your disabling condition must be clearly identified, and extensively supported by medical records and evidence.

3. A key indicator that your disability claims examiner will be determining through reviewing your claim is determining your residual functional capacity (RFC). Not only will they determine through the medical evidence you supply what level of work exertion you are capable of, but they will also look at your ability to use your hands or feet, ability to bend down or climb, or cope with depression or anxiety. RFC helps the examiner determine if you qualify for disability benefits.

Want To Know More About Social Security Disability? Reach Out Today.

Our firm is based in Spokane and is dedicated to helping disabled clients access the benefits they need. Call us at 509-328-5789 or email us to make an appointment.