What Are the Medical Conditions That Qualify for Disability Benefits?
SSDI and SSI programs provide financial assistance to people with disabilities. However, not all medical conditions qualify for disability benefits. Check it out.
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The SSA pays disability benefits through 2 programs – SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). While Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to disabled American workers who worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes, Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need. To receive the benefits, applicants will have to prove the severity of their disability. They must understand what qualifies for disability benefits so that they can increase their chances of getting approved. Medical chart reviews play a key role in determining disability. The SSA’s Blue Book Disability Listing includes physical and mental impairments or disabilities that qualify for benefits. The 2018 list includes conditions such as • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Cardiovascular problems Musculoskeletal conditions Respiratory illnesses Senses and speech issues Mental disorders Neurological disorders Skin conditions Immune system diseases Problems of the digestive tract Cancer Kidney disease and genitourinary problems Hematological disorders Various syndromes such as Sjogren’s Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome
Even if certain conditions do not exactly match those in the Blue Book, candidates may be awarded disability benefits via SSA’s “equaling a disability listing”. In this case, their condition must be medically determinable and reduce their RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) so much that they cannot do their earlier job or any other job. Some disabilities that are not listed in the Blue Book may qualify for benefits, and these include migraine, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, degenerative disc disease, and celiac disease among others. Dyscognitive seizures could qualify for benefits if the patient experiences at least one seizure per week for three consecutive months, even after prescribed treatments. The Blue Book does not have an exact listing for narcolepsy, but disability claimants may be approved for this condition if they can meet the Blue Book’s epilepsy listing – the claimant’s inability to stay awake should be as frequent as the listing for those with seizures.
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Narcolepsy is not convulsive, which means you would have to meet one of the two Blue Book listings for dyscognitive seizures. Medical documentation is crucial when applying for disability benefits. Medical chart reviews help collect relevant details regarding the debilitating condition of the claimant, a formal diagnosis from his/her doctor regarding the condition, and other information. A social security disability lawyer can help evaluate the disability claim and determine the chances of getting the claim approved.
www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com
1-800-670-2809