1. How Does SSA Determine Qualifying Conditions?

SSA uses its Listing of Impairments, also known as the Blue Book, to evaluate disability claims. The Blue Book lists medical conditions that are considered severe enough to prevent a person from performing any substantial work.

However, even if your condition is not explicitly listed, you may still qualify if you can prove that your impairment is as severe as a listed condition and limits your ability to work significantly.

2. Common Conditions That Qualify for SSDI in Virginia

Below are categories and examples of medical conditions that commonly qualify:

A. Musculoskeletal Disorders

These include:

• Severe back injuries (herniated discs with nerve compression)
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Joint dysfunction (e.g. hip or knee disorders)
• Amputations that significantly limit mobility

B. Cardiovascular Conditions

Qualifying heart-related impairments include:

• Chronic heart failure
• Coronary artery disease with recurrent symptoms
• Arrhythmias not controlled by medication
• Peripheral arterial disease causing severe walking limitations

C. Neurological Disorders

Examples are:

• Epilepsy with frequent seizures despite treatment
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Stroke with lasting motor impairments or speech issues

D. Respiratory Disorders

These include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma with frequent attacks despite treatment
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pulmonary hypertension

E. Mental Health Disorders

Many individuals qualify based on severe mental impairments such as:

• Major depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders with significant functional limitations
• Autism spectrum disorder (in adults or children)

F. Immune System Disorders

These include:

• Lupus affecting multiple body systems
• HIV/AIDS with opportunistic infections or significant weight loss
• Rheumatoid arthritis causing severe joint deformity or mobility limitations

G. Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)

SSA evaluates cancer diagnoses based on:

• Type, stage, and spread of cancer
• Required treatments and their impact on your ability to work
• Certain aggressive cancers qualify for Compassionate Allowance, expediting approval

3. What If Your Condition Is Not Listed?

Even if your specific diagnosis is not in the Blue Book, you can still qualify by demonstrating:

• Your condition causes functional limitations preventing you from performing your past work or adjusting to other work
• Your symptoms and limitations are medically documented by doctors, specialists, and treatment records
• You have ongoing medical treatment, showing the impairment is severe and persistent

4. How to Strengthen Your SSDI Application

To improve your chances of approval:

• Maintain consistent medical treatment and follow your doctors’ recommendations
• Obtain detailed statements from your physicians explaining how your condition limits work activities, such as lifting, standing, walking, concentrating, or social interaction
• Gather medical evidence including imaging, lab results, hospitalization records, and therapy notes
• Keep a personal log of daily symptoms and limitations, especially if they impact your ability to perform job tasks