Qualifying Conditions For Social Security Disability Benefits
Last updated on May 19, 2025
Obtaining Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits requires proving you have a qualifying medical condition severe enough to prevent you from working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a comprehensive list of impairments that meet its definition of disability.
At Fuller Wallner, Attorneys at Law, our attorneys have helped numerous Bemidji and greater Minnesota residents successfully navigate the complex SSD qualification process. We understand the frustration many applicants feel when trying to prove their disabilities meet SSA standards.
Physical Impairments That May Qualify For Benefits
The SSA recognizes many physical conditions as potentially disabling. Some of the most common qualifying physical impairments include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders such as severe back problems, joint dysfunction or arthritis
- Cardiovascular conditions including heart failure, coronary artery disease and heart transplants
- Respiratory illnesses like COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension
- Neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy
- Immune system disorders such as HIV/AIDS, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Cancer, depending on type, location and treatment response
- Digestive system disorders, including liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease
These conditions must be properly documented with medical evidence showing how they limit your ability to perform substantial gainful activity.
Mental Health Conditions That May Qualify
Mental impairments can be equally as disabling as physical conditions. The SSA recognizes several mental health conditions:
- Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
- Depression, bipolar disorder and related conditions
- Intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders
- Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Trauma and stressor-related disorders
- Neurocognitive disorders such as dementia
Mental health claims often require thorough documentation from mental health professionals along with evidence showing how these conditions affect daily functioning and work capability.
When Your Condition Is Not Listed
If your medical condition is not specifically included in the SSA’s listing of impairments, you may still qualify for benefits through a process called medical-vocational allowance. The SSA will evaluate your residual functional capacity (RFC) – what you can still do despite your limitations – alongside factors like age, education, work experience and transferable skills.
If the SSA determines that your condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful work, you may receive benefits even without a listed impairment.
Contact Our Bemidji Disability Lawyers
If you are struggling with a disabling condition and need assistance with your SSD application or appeal, contact Fuller Wallner, Attorneys at Law, today at 218-203-9710 or through our website to schedule an initial consultation with our Minnesota disability benefits attorneys.