Houston TX Social Security Disability Attorney

Social Security Association’s Listing of Impairments

When applying for Social Security disability benefits for an injury or illness that has left you unable to work in your occupation or any occupation, it’s really important that your disability or impairment is listed in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) listing of impairments. The listing of impairments essentially describes various impairments, for each major body system, that are substantial enough to prevent an individual from doing any gainful activity (i.e. work that earns income). Most of these conditions are permanent and result in death, and for all other listings, the claimant will need evidence showing that the impairment has lasted or is expected to last for a period of at least 12 months.

At Herren Law, we have in-depth knowledge and the SSA’s disability claim processes, as well as the importance of the listing of impairments. To automatically qualify for benefits, whether SSDI or SSI, we will help you prove that you have a severe, medically determinable impairment that meets the SSA’s requirements. Furthermore, we work on a contingency basis, and you won’t owe anything unless you win your case. To speak with Houston Social Security disability attorney William Herren of Herren Law, call our law firm today at (800) 529-7707.

What Medical Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability?

The Social Security Administration’s listing manual is also known as the blue book. This list of impairments includes both mental and physical disorders, and if the claimant proves that his/her disability meets the specific criteria for a listing, he/she may qualify for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The listing manual includes medical conditions such as:

• Musculoskeletal problems such as back injuries
• Cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure
• Senses and speech issues such as vision and hearing loss
• Respiratory illnesses such as COPD or asthma
• Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease
• Mental disorders such as schizophrenia or autism
• Immune system disorders such as HIV/AIDS or rheumatoid arthritis
• Some syndromes such as Sjogren’s Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome
• Digestive tract problems such as liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Some skin disorders
• Hematological disorders such as disorders of bone marrow failure
• Cancer

It is also important to note that the listing of impairments is divided into two parts, including 1) adult disability assessments and 2) childhood disability assessments.

Getting Disability Benefits by Equaling a Disability Listing

The SSA blue book includes exact criteria for many of its listings, and as you know, not every condition or disability presents the same symptoms among all people. As such, if you’re filing for Social Security benefits, your disability doesn’t necessarily need to satisfy the exact listing requirements. For instance, you can be awarded disability benefits as long as the Social Security Administration considers certain aspects of your condition to be medically equivalent to the criteria in the listing or the related listing.

Furthermore, even if your condition doesn’t perfectly match up, the SSA greatly weighs your claim based on how the disability affects your ability to work. For this reason, it’s critical to include as much information in your application as possible. Make sure to include reports and testimony from your physician, and it can help to have a vocational expert testify on your inability to work.

Does My Medical Condition Need to Be in the Blue Book?

As mentioned, your medical condition doesn’t necessarily need to be in the blue book in order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. For example, if you suffer from severe migraines, you’ll notice that migraines are not listed in the blue book. However, anyone who suffers from severe migraines knows that this condition makes gainful activity virtually impossible. As such, by proving the severity of the migraines, and the frequency in which they occur, the SSA may grant disability benefits. The key, however, is showing the following:

• The condition is a medically determinable impairment
• The condition reduces your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
• The condition qualifies you for a medical-vocational allowance

Call Herren Law in Houston Today

Having disability benefits from the SSA can be essential when you’re unable to work and bring in an income. Unfortunately, the SSA is known for being slow and very strict in terms of its criteria. However, you can greatly increase your chances of receiving timely and rightfully owed Social Security disability benefits by acquiring the legal counsel and representation of an experienced Social Security disability attorney. To speak with Houston disability attorney William Herren, call our Houston TX office today by dialing (800) 529-7707.