1. Musculoskeletal Disorders

These include conditions that cause severe limitations in mobility, strength, or functioning, such as:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated discs
• Osteoarthritis and severe joint dysfunction
• Fractures of the femur, tibia, pelvis, or upper extremity
• Amputations affecting your ability to perform work tasks

2. Neurological Disorders

Neurological impairments must significantly interfere with work-related activities and may include:

• Epilepsy (convulsive or non-convulsive seizures) despite treatment
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) with lasting cognitive or physical impairments
• Peripheral neuropathy causing severe limitations

3. Cardiovascular Disorders

Severe heart and vascular conditions often qualify for SSDI if they limit exertion or cause frequent complications, including:

• Congestive heart failure
• Chronic heart failure
• Coronary artery disease with recurrent angina
• Peripheral artery disease with significant walking limitations
• Arrhythmias causing syncope or near-syncope despite treatment

4. Respiratory Disorders

Breathing conditions that impair your ability to perform even basic physical tasks include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Emphysema
• Chronic bronchitis
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Asthma not controlled with medication

SSA evaluates these conditions based on lung function tests, imaging, and treatment records.

5. Mental Health Disorders

Mental health conditions qualify if they significantly impair concentration, social interaction, adaptation, or ability to perform tasks consistently. Qualifying conditions include:

• Major depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (in severe cases)
• Anxiety disorders with severe panic attacks

6. Immune System Disorders

Conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s tissues can qualify, including:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
• Rheumatoid arthritis with severe joint damage
• HIV/AIDS with significant complications
• Scleroderma
• Sjogren’s syndrome with organ involvement

7. Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)

Certain types and stages of cancer qualify automatically, such as:

• Inoperable or unresectable cancers
• Cancers that have metastasized
• Certain aggressive cancers like pancreatic, esophageal, or small cell lung cancer

Others require evidence showing treatment side effects and prognosis that prevent work activities.

8. Digestive System Disorders

Conditions causing severe nutritional impairment or requiring surgeries like ostomies include:

• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Liver disease or cirrhosis
• Short bowel syndrome

9. Endocrine Disorders

Hormonal disorders can qualify if they cause systemic effects, such as:

• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus with severe neuropathy, retinopathy, or kidney damage
• Thyroid disorders with cardiac or cognitive complications
• Adrenal gland disorders with systemic impact

10. Genitourinary Disorders

These include severe kidney diseases that require:

• Regular dialysis
• Kidney transplant recipients

11. Other Conditions

Any medical condition, whether listed or not, can qualify if it:

• Is medically documented by objective evidence
• Prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• Is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death

SSA will evaluate your residual functional capacity (RFC) to determine if your impairments prevent work you previously performed or any other work available in the national economy.

How to Strengthen Your SSDI Application

To improve your chances of approval:

• Maintain consistent medical treatment and follow-ups
• Obtain detailed medical records and imaging reports
• Ask your doctors for clear statements about your work limitations
• Include records from all specialists treating your conditions