Living with a physical disability can make it impossible to maintain full-time employment. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits to people with qualifying physical impairments. These benefits come through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

At O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group, we help clients throughout Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Washington D.C. navigate the disability benefits process. Below, we discuss the wide range of physical conditions that can automatically qualify claimants for support.

How the SSA Evaluates Physical Impairments

The Social Security Administration references the “Blue Book” when reviewing claims that may qualify for disability benefits. The Blue Book is a physical impairment list that includes a variety of severe disabilities. Under each listing, you will find the required qualifying medical criteria.

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, your medical condition must:

• Be listed in the Blue Book
• Be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Prevent you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
• Be documented through medical evidence
• Significantly limit your physical abilities related to work and daily living

The SSA evaluates physical disabilities based on:

• Provided medical evidence documenting your condition
• How your condition limits your ability to perform basic work tasks
• Whether you can perform any past forms of work or new types of work
• Supporting evidence from non-medical sources

If you have a medical condition that limits your ability to work, contact our law firm. We can help determine if your disability qualifies for benefits.

Categories of Physical Disabilities That Qualify for Benefits

The Blue Book Adult Listing of Impairments contains several sections for various physical disabilities. These include:

• 1.00 Musculoskeletal Disorders
• 2.00 Special Senses and Speech
• 3.00 Respiratory Disorders
• 4.00 Cardiovascular System Disorders
• 5.00 Digestive Disorders
• 6.00 Genitourinary Disorders
• 7.00 Hematological Disorders
• 8.00 Skin Disorders
• 9.00 Endocrine Disorders
• 10.00 Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems
• 11.00 Neurological Disorders
• 13.00 Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
• 14.00 Immune System Disorders

Section 12.00 in the Blue Book is for qualifying mental health disorders.

Examples of Qualifying Conditions

Under the Musculoskeletal Disorders category, you’ll find physical disabilities affecting the bones, joints, and muscles. Some examples include:

• Various back impairments
• Non-healing or complex fractures
• Pathologic fractures
• Unhealthy curvatures of the skeletal spine (e.g. scoliosis)
• Degenerative disc disease

Many types of physical disabilities stem from neurological conditions that affect movement and physical function. Some examples of conditions that may qualify for benefits under Section 11.00 include:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Cerebral palsy
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Traumatic brain injury
• Epilepsy
• Stroke

Different heart problems fall under the cardiovascular system disorders section, such as:

• Congestive heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack with lasting complications
• Heart transplant

Many kinds of physical disabilities that qualify for benefits also include different forms of cancer, such as:

• Metastatic cancer
• Recurrent cancer
• Cancers that are unresponsive to treatment
• Cancers requiring extensive surgeries or treatments

Understanding what physical disabilities are included in each Blue Book category can be confusing. Our law firm helps clients with rare and common physical disabilities apply for benefits and prove their eligibility. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

What if Your Physical Impairment Is Not in the Blue Book?

If your condition doesn’t exactly match any listing in the Blue Book, you may still qualify for benefits if you can’t work. For example, you can apply for disability by showing your condition “equals” a listing in severity.

If your condition doesn’t technically equal a listing, the SSA can evaluate your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). Your RFC is what you can still do despite your limitations. This includes considerations like:

• How long you can sit, stand, or walk
• How much you can lift or carry
• Whether you can push, pull, reach, or grip objects
• Your ability to maintain balance
• Limitations in stamina or endurance

If the SSA finds your unlisted condition prevents you from working, you may qualify for a Medical-Vocational Allowance. The SSA will assess several additional factors when deciding if you qualify, including your age, education, and past work experience.

How We Can Help With Your Physical Disability Claim

At O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group, we understand the challenges of living with a physical impairment. Our experienced disability attorneys can:

• Review your medical records to determine if you have a qualifying condition
• Help gather comprehensive evidence that highlights your physical limitations
• Complete your application properly and on time
• Appeal claim denials with strategic arguments

Whether you’re applying for benefits for the first time or filing an appeal, our team is ready to help. We work with clients with all types of physical conditions and take challenging cases that other attorneys turn away.

Contact O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group today for a free consultation about your physical disability claim. Let our 29+ years of experience work for you!