Qualifying Mental and Physical Impairments for Social Security Disability
Dedicated Maryland Social Security lawyers with law offices in Columbia, Baltimore and throughout the state
The Social Security Disability Insurance program provides a monthly income for those who are unable to work because of a debilitating mental or physical impairment. There are eligibility requirements, and a rigorous application process that claimants must go through in order to be approved to start receiving benefits. However, the Social Security Administration has developed a list of qualifying mental and physical impairments for Social Security Disability benefits. In order to meet the other eligibility requirements:
- You must have a qualifying physical or mental condition or impairment that has persisted for one year and is expected to last more than a year, or is terminal.
- You must have sufficient work history of paying into the Social Security system through payroll taxes.
Sorting through the list of qualifying mental and physical impairments can be complicated and confusing. An experienced Maryland Social Security Disability attorney can guide you through the process. With more than 35 years of experience helping Marylanders apply for Social Security Disability benefits, we look forward to putting our knowledge and skill to work for you.
The Social Security Administration's Listing of Impairments
The SSA maintains a listing of qualifying impairments for which they have already specified approval criteria. Before the listing was in electronic form, it was published as a book with a blue cover called, Disability Evaluation under Social Security, which is why people tend to refer to it as the "blue book."
The listing of impairments is divided into Part A for adult listings and Part B for children under the age of 18. Within those main categories there are sub-categories for the various types of diseases and disorders, whether mental or physical. It is not just a matter of whether your impairment matches up with a description in the SSA's blue book. What is required is evidence that your impairments prevent you from performing any type of work that might provide gainful employment. Your age, previous work experience and level of education are also a factor in the approval process.
Here are the categories of qualifying medical conditions for SSD:
- Musculoskeletal system
- Special senses and speech
- Respiratory system
- Cardiovascular system
- Digestive system
- Genitourinary impairments
- Hematological disorders
- Skin disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Congenital Disorders That Affect Multiple Body Systems
- Neurological
- Mental disorders
- Cancer (Malignant neoplastic diseases)
- Immune system disorders
If you have a condition that matches one of the qualifying impairments, your doctor must perform the required lab tests or clinical tests in order to document the condition and determine if they match up with the requirements described in the impairment listing.
What if my condition is not on the SSA’s list?
Of course, not every possible impairment that might prevent a person from being able to work can be listed in the SSA's blue book. When you have a condition that is not listed in the impairment listing, you simply must be able to prove that the disease or injury imposes a limitation on your ability to work and earn significant gainful income.
How a Maryland Social Security Disability attorney can help
Assembling all of the required medical documentation and filling out the Social Security Disability application is quite a complicated process. Having a skilled Social Security Disability lawyer on your side to help take on that burden will allow you to relax and take care of your health. The attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they recover their fees from the back pay that you will receive after your disability claim is approved. You do not have to pay any legal fees in advance to benefit from their skill and experience.
Contact an experienced, Maryland Social Security Disability attorney to discuss your case
At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. we can help you file your initial claim for Social Security Disability benefits, or represent you in an appeal of denied benefits. To schedule your free consultation with a seasoned Maryland SSD attorney, please call at 410-730-7737 or use our contact form. We have offices in Columbia, Baltimore and throughout the state.
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