SSA’s Listing of Impairments (Blue Book)

The SSA maintains a comprehensive list of medical conditions, known as the Listing of Impairments or "Blue Book." If your condition matches or is equivalent to one in the Blue Book, you may automatically qualify for SSDI benefits. These listings cover both physical and mental disorders.

Common Qualifying Medical Conditions

Here are some categories of medical conditions that often qualify 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

What If Your Condition Isn’t Listed?

If your condition isn’t explicitly listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, you can still qualify if your impairment is medically equivalent in severity to a listed condition. In this case, detailed medical records and documentation will be crucial.

How the SSA Evaluates Your Claim

The SSA uses a five-step evaluation process to determine eligibility:

1. Are you working above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level?
2. Is your condition severe and long-term (12+ months)?
3. Does your condition meet or equal a listed impairment?
4. Can you perform your past work?
5. Can you adjust to other work based on your age, education, and skills?

You must provide thorough medical documentation at each stage to support your claim.

Connecticut-Specific Considerations

Connecticut residents apply for SSDI through the federal SSA system, but local SSA offices and Disability Determination Services (DDS) handle the initial review and medical assessment. It’s important to work with providers who are experienced in supplying the right type of medical evidence the SSA requires.