Social Security Disability Benefits: Understanding Covered Disabilities

In general Social Security Disability benefits are reserved for workers with a physical or mental condition, who are unable to perform full time work for at least 12 months. However, for those who have never worked, or worked very little, Supplemental Security Income disability is available from Social Security under the same definition of disability - unable to perform full time work for 12 months.

The law defines a covered disability as an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to certain medically determinable physical or mental impairments which can be expected to result in death or which have lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. To collect benefits under the Social Security Disability program, you must meet certain requirements.

Social Security Disability laws cover physical and mental disabilities

Physical disabilities include:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Herniated disks
• Other lumbar and cervical (back and neck) problems

In addition, disabilities include:

• Arthritis
• Heart problems
• Spine problems
• Fibromyalgia
• Sleep apnea
• AIDS
• Cancer
• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis and other liver conditions
• Brain injuries
• Cerebral palsy
• Lupus
• Repetitive stress disorders
• Hearing loss

Mental disabilities included psychiatric disabilities, including but not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Agoraphobia
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorders
• Mental retardation
• Evaluation of claims

There is a Listing of Impairments applicable to evaluation of claims for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability insurance program. The Listing of Impairments describes, for each major body system, impairments considered severe enough to prevent an individual from engaging in any gainful activity.

Part A of the Listing of Impairments contains medical criteria that apply to the evaluation of impairments in adults who are age 18 and over. Part B of the Listing of Impairments contains additional medical criteria that apply only to the evaluation of impairments of persons under age 18.

Contact Keefe Disability Law today for a free consultation if you have questions about Social Security Disability law. We will evaluate your situation and develop an individualized strategy for obtaining the Social Security Disability benefits you and your family deserve.