March 8th, 2011
Which Disabilities Qualify for Social Security?
The questions that most social security disability lawyers hear most often generally fall into several categories, such as what benefit amount someone is entitled to. One of the most common questions they hear is what disabilities qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
The easy answer is that any disability can qualify for benefits. The hard answer is that any disability can be denied benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) really does look at each case individually. Agents are expected to review each case on its own merits and make a fair judgment as to whether the individual is entitled to benefits. This means that two people with the same disorder or condition may receive different judgments. It also means that someone with a severe anxiety disorder may be approved while someone suffering from cancer may be denied.
There are certain diseases and conditions that are more likely to be approved. These are known as compassionate allowances and require less documentation and evaluation in order to be approved. They are also fast tracked by the SSA for review, so that decisions can be made quickly. However, even these claims can be denied, so patients need to be aware of the requirements when filing.
Ultimately, anything from muscle and immune diseases to mental illness to neurological conditions can qualify for social security disability benefits. The patient just needs to be able to prove, to the satisfaction of SSA guidelines, that the condition prevents them from working.

