Kenny Habetz Injury Law | February 28, 2024 | Personal Injury

Individuals who are unable to work because of an impairment or disability may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two disability programs. SSDI is for workers who become disabled. SSI is for low-income individuals who do not qualify for SSDI benefits.

Thousands of medical conditions meet the SSA’s definition of disability. Many of these conditions are included in the Listing of Impairments or Blue Book that the SSA uses to evaluate whether a condition meets the requirements of a disability.

Even if your condition is not listed in the Blue Book, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits. You must have medical evidence proving that the condition results in a disability that prevents you from working.

Disabilities That Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits

Below are the top categories of health conditions that qualify for SSI and SSDI benefits through the Social Security Administration according to the Annual Statistical Report for 2022:

Nervous System and Sense Organs

Examples of conditions that qualify for disability benefits under this category include epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Bell’s palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries. The nervous system is made up of the spinal cord, brain, sensory organs, and nerves.

Musculoskeletal System & Connective Tissue

The health conditions in this category impact the bones, ligaments, cartilage, and other connective tissue. Examples of conditions that qualify for disability benefits include:

  • Ruptured discs
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Arthritis
  • Scoliosis
  • Spine disorders
  • Degenerative disc disease

This category is among the most common categories people file under when applying for Social Security disability benefits.

Circulatory System

Numerous diseases and conditions of the circulatory system can cause impairments. Examples include peripheral artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, arrhythmia, strokes, and high cholesterol. The condition must be severe enough to prevent the person from working.

Injuries

Injuries are another common category for Social Security disability. An accident or personal injury could cause an impairment that prevents someone from working. Examples of things that can cause disabling injuries include:

These injuries can also result in a personal injury settlement. A personal injury case does not prevent you from filing for Social Security disability benefits.

Neoplasms

This category includes abnormal growths such as hemangiomas, lipomas, adenomas, and fibromas. The growths may be cancerous, pre-cancerous, or non-cancerous (benign).

Organic Mental Disorders

Organic mental disorders develop because of defects in your body, certain diseases, and injuries. Examples of organic mental disorders include Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia, dementia, and delirium.

Psychotic Disorders and Schizophrenia

The symptoms of schizophrenia and many psychotic disorders interfere with daily living and working. Examples include catatonic behavior, disorganized speech, delusions, and hallucinations. Individuals with schizophrenia and certain psychotic disorders may be unable to complete simple tasks and engage people socially.

Intellectual Disabilities

A cognitive impairment or intellectual disability may limit a person’s ability to learn, reason, and solve problems. They may be unable to recall information, communicate, and learn new skills. These conditions may also negatively impact adaptive behaviors.

Examples of conditions that often meet the SSA’s criteria for a disabling condition include developmental delays, Down syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome.

Mood Disorders

The SSA has several mood disorders listed as qualifying conditions for disability benefits. Examples include cyclothymic disorder, major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, seasonable affective disorder, and bipolar disorder. A person with these conditions may experience sudden and extreme mood swings that make it difficult to maintain employment.

Other Mental Conditions

Various mental conditions and disorders are on the list of qualifying conditions for SSI and SSDI. They impair a person’s ability to perform the necessary tasks for a job.

What Can You Do if You Are Diagnosed With a Disabling Condition or Impairment in Lafayette, LA?

Some conditions listed in the SSA’s blue book may automatically qualify a person for Social Security disability benefits because of a compassionate allowance. For example, a person who loses all kidney function and is on dialysis may qualify for a compassionate allowance.

If your condition meets the compassionate allowance standard, you may receive disability benefits within a few weeks. If not, you must apply for SSI or SSDI, which can take months. The approval process can be frustrating, and many applications are denied on the first review.

A Lafayette disability lawyer can help you by preparing the application and dealing with the Social Security Administration on your behalf. If your condition results from a personal injury or accident, you may also receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages from the party who caused your injury. You can learn more about disability benefits and personal injury claims during a free consultation with a Lafayette personal injury attorney. 

Contact the Louisiana Personal Injury Law Firm Of Kenny Habetz Injury Law for Help Today

If you’ve been injured in Louisiana, please call Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free case evaluation with a Louisiana personal injury lawyer or contact us online. We have offices in Lafayette and Crowley, LA.

Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Lafayette
110 E Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101 Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 399-9000

Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Crowley
604 S Parkerson Ave. Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 329-8883