If an injury or illness prevents you from being able to work, Social Security Disability can help you support yourself and your family as you recover and put your life back together. Working Americans contribute to Social Security every month so that they can take advantage of these benefits in case they encounter any unexpected difficulties. We help clients from every city in Indiana file their claims to receive Social Security Disability payments after a life altering event or diagnosis. At our Kokomo and Indianapolis offices, we can help you understand Social Security Disability requirements so you can navigate the paperwork and experience greater financial stability. Below, we explain more about the criteria you must meet to receive Social Security Disability so you can determine if this program may be suitable for you.
Qualifying Conditions
If you’re interested in pursuing Social Security Disability, you might have heard of the “blue book.” This is the manual that explains which conditions impair your ability to work and may make you eligible for disability assistance. Many physical, mental, and psychological disorders fall under this category. These include:
- Musculoskeletal System Disorders – This covers a wide variety of problems that affect the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, and joints, resulting in the inability to move around with ease.
- Senses and Speech Disorders – This covers various cases of vision loss and hearing impairment.
- Respiratory System Disorders – This covers different kinds of injuries, illnesses, and infections that make breathing difficult.
- Cardiovascular System Disorders – This refers to various conditions that are related to heart disease and problems with the circulatory system.
- Digestive System Disorders – This refers to various injuries or systemic conditions that affect the stomach, liver, the intestines, or bowel.
- Genitourinary Disorders – This refers to injuries or conditions that affect a person’s reproductive organs or urinary system.
- Hematological Disorders – This refers to disorders affecting a patient’s blood, bone marrow, spleen, and/or liver.
- Serious Skin Disorders – This refers to any debilitating condition that affects a person’s skin.
- Endocrine Disorders – This refers to problems that affect the various glands located in the human body.
- Congenital Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems – This refers to conditions a person has from birth that affect their wellness.
- Neurological Disorders – This refers to issues such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy.
- Mental Disorders – This refers to mental health issues such as severe depression or schizophrenia.
- Malignant Neoplastic Diseases – This refers to the development of cancer or tumors in the body.
- Immune System Disorders – This refers to conditions in which a person’s immune disease isn’t functioning properly, such as HIV/AIDS or lupus.
Does my medical condition need to be covered in the Social Security disability blue book?
Even diseases and disorders not listed in the blue book can be covered under Social Security Disability, so don’t be discouraged if you do not see your specific condition listed. Your particular issue may be eligible if it is medically confirmed and interferes with your ability to work.
Understanding Your Functional Limitations
To qualify for Social Security Disability, your condition must make you incapable of working for a year or more. Your doctor may provide enough information about your symptoms and abilities to show that you meet the requirements. However, you will most likely need to undergo a Residual Functional Capacity Assessment, or RFC, to determine the exact work restrictions caused by your illness or injury. At your RFC, a Disability Determination Services medical professional will usually test your ability to:
- Lift heavy objects
- Stand or sit for extended periods
- Squat, bend over, crouch, kneel, or stoop as needed
- See or hear in work environments
- Reach and retrieve objects
- Move your fingers
Patients with mental disabilities may also undergo Mental RFCs conducted by psychologists or psychiatrists. The Social Security Administration will use this information to decide if you are capable of performing your past work or finding alternative jobs.
How We Can Help You with Your Claim
Our attorneys and on-staff registered nurse can help you through the complex procedure of filing a Social Security Disability claim. We can help you obtain the medical records, complete complex paperwork, decipher federal standards, and more. If you suffer from a disability resulting from a work injury, we can also help you file appropriate workers’ compensation claims.
Learn More about the Requirements for Social Security Disability
Our legal team can help clients with Social Security Disability claims. To receive assistance with your claim or learn more about the requirements, contact Golitko & Daly for a consultation with one of our caring and experienced attorneys.
