What Conditions Are Considered Disabilities in Alpharetta?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” The SSA publishes and regularly updates a comprehensive list of impairments for each major body system that may meet their criteria for a disability and entitle you to receive Social Security benefits.
Before applying for Social Security benefits, it is important to understand what conditions are considered disabilities in Alpharetta and the information you may need to provide to support your claim. If you have questions related to qualifying for Social Security benefits, consider contacting an experienced advocate for the disabled who is familiar with the rigorous application process and could help you apply for and effectively pursue the benefits you deserve.
Conditions Considered as Disabilities
To qualify for SSD benefits, a condition must significantly impact a person’s ability to engage in one or more major life activities, such as seeing, hearing, walking, standing, and/or sitting. Furthermore, this condition must be present for at least 12 months.
The SSA provides a comprehensive list of impairments which are considered severe enough to qualify an individual for SSD benefits. A majority of these conditions are permanent, such as blindness or deafness, or can result in death, such as heart failure or leukemia. Several other notable and common conditions include:
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Liver disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Kidney disease
- Pituitary gland disorders
- Thyroid disorders
For all these impairments, an applicant must prove their condition is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
What if a Condition is Not on the List?
If a condition is not included on the SSA’s list of medical conditions, someone suffering from that condition may still be entitled to SSD benefits. However, the SSA would have to decide if the condition is as severe as a condition listed. If the SSA does find a disease or condition is as severe as a listed condition, the affected individual can receive SSD benefits.
Compassionate Allowances and Quick Disability Determinations
Some people may apply for SSD benefits as soon as they receive a diagnosis. Examples of conditions that qualify for the SSA’s compassionate allowance exception include:
- Acute Leukemia
- Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)
- Pancreatic cancer
A Quick Disability Determination (QDD) is another fast-track process which allows a person to receive SSD benefits if their condition is serious enough to meet disability standards. The QDD uses a computer program to screen initial applicants and identify whether an individual’s conditions has a high probability of qualifying them for disability benefits.
Determining what Conditions Are Considered Disabilities with an Alpharetta Attorney’s Help
Obtaining Social Security benefits can be incredibly confusing and frustrating, particularly when you are struggling physically and financially. On top of that, it is not always a simple matter to determine exactly what conditions are considered disabilities in Alpharetta. However, a seasoned Social Security disability attorney is prepared and qualified to guide you through the process.
If retained, an attorney from our team can determine if you have a qualifying condition or are entitled to an alternative approval process for Social Security disability benefits. Call today to discuss your case, explore your options, and receive professional assistance through all stages of the Social Security application process.
