What Is Social Security Disability?
A social security disability, or SSD, is a type of income given to those who are disabled and cannot work. It is also sometimes called SSI (Supplemental Security Income). You can qualify for SSD if you have a medical condition that prevents you from working.
Qualifications Required For Social Security Disability
Listing Of Impairments
The Social Security Administration lists 11 categories of physical and mental impairments. While you can claim an impairment in any of them, you need to meet all the requirements of that category before it is accepted as disabling and counted toward your disability entitlement.
Consulting a lawyer about your case might help you to get a better idea. Consider approaching a reputed law firm like Morgan, Collins, Yeast, and Salyer Kentucky Injury Lawyers, since they have experience dealing with SSD claims. The lawyers with experience in dealing with SSD cases will know the law deeply.
These impairments are explained below:
Malignant Neoplastic Diseases
While malignant neoplastic diseases can be disabling, they are also an exception as most do not qualify as a disability unless they meet the requirements.
The malignant neoplastic disease is an illness caused by the growth and spread of cancerous cells. It can affect any part of the body. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), conditions like breast cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and multiple myeloma are malignant neoplastic diseases.
The SSA states that malignant neoplastic diseases qualify if they meet 1, 2, or 3:
1. For months before you turn 22: - If they lasted for at least six months, or - If they lasted and were expected to last for at least a year. The SSA says: "These are the same rules we use to decide if childhood cancers are disabling."
2. They cause disfigurement- protruding mass of tissue that is disfiguring when the size of the mass is compared to your height and weight. For example, if you are five feet tall and weigh 100 pounds, a tumor that makes you look like Nosferatu would qualify as disabling.
3. They cause growths or bulges that make it hard for you to stand or walk- severely limiting your ability.
Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system includes all your body's bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. The following conditions qualify if they meet the requirements of 1 or 2:
1. "Significant" spinal cord damage that causes problems walking
2. Malformed limbs or fingers that make it impossible to walk unassisted.
According to the SSA, conditions like paralysis, arthritis, and amputations are among those that fall under this category.
These conditions may also qualify if you have a severely disabling congenital condition- a birth defect affecting your hands or feet. This must be a condition so rare that there are fewer than 200,000 people in the United States who have it.
Respiratory System
The SSA defines respiratory impairments as conditions involving your breathing, airways, or lungs.
The following conditions qualify if they meet the requirements of 1 or 2:
1. Lung tuberculosis
2. Fibrosis-thickening of the lung "so you can't breathe very well."
Other Conditions
- Blindness and visual impairment;
- Deafness and hearing impairment;
- Cardiovascular system; or
- Digestive system.
Conclusion
Claiming SSD benefits is not an easy task. Especially in big cities like Lexington, SSD claims may seem near impossible. When faced with these issues, consider hiring a local disability attorney such as Lexington social security disability attorneys to help you with the process. Always hire a lawyer where you are residing.
However, you cannot claim a disability for a condition just because it causes you to have low energy levels or minor inconveniences.