1. SSA’s Definition of Disability

To qualify for SSDI, your condition must:

• Prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• Have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death

SSA evaluates your medical evidence against its Listing of Impairments (Blue Book), which includes conditions that are considered severe enough to automatically qualify when specific criteria are met.

2. Common Qualifying Conditions in Connecticut

While the SSA’s listings are extensive, here are common conditions that often qualify Connecticut residents for SSDI:

1. Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Severe back injuries
• Degenerative disc disease
• Joint dysfunction
• Amputations
• Fractures that fail to heal properly

2. Cardiovascular Conditions

• Chronic heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Peripheral artery disease
• Recurrent arrhythmias

3. Respiratory Disorders

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pulmonary fibrosis

4. Neurological Disorders

• Epilepsy (with frequent seizures)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Cerebral palsy

5. Mental Health Disorders

• Depression (major depressive disorder)
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Autism spectrum disorder

6. Immune System Disorders

• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• HIV/AIDS
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)

7. Cancers

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Cancers that are inoperable or have metastasized

8. Endocrine Disorders

• Diabetes (with severe complications)
• Thyroid disorders

3. Conditions Not Listed but Still Qualifying

If your specific condition is not listed in SSA’s Blue Book, you may still qualify if:

• Your symptoms and medical limitations are equivalent in severity to a listed condition
• You can prove that your condition prevents you from performing past work or adjusting to other work

4. Proving Your Disability to SSA

Regardless of your diagnosis, approval depends on strong medical evidence, such as:

• Doctor’s detailed notes on your limitations
• Test results, imaging, and specialist evaluations
• Evidence of ongoing treatment and compliance with medical advice