The list of medical conditions that automatically qualify you to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) is fairly long. However, this list still does not include all the medical conditions that might establish your right to receive these vital government benefits. Therefore, if you’re seriously ill, you’ll want to record every aspect of your medical condition as best as you can by saving all documentation related to your doctors’ visits, especially with regard to written diagnoses and the opinions of your doctors.
Here is what you need to do to qualify for SSD benefits if your condition is not on the list of “qualifying” medical conditions maintained by the agency:
Make sure that your medical condition is medically determinable as an impairment. In order for it to be medically determinable, your condition has to have been determined through medical testing and/or clinical reports — not just subjective reports of your symptoms.
You must also show that your condition inhibits your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), which relates to the types of activities you’re capable of performing. Once your RFC has been determined, the Social Security examiner will ascertain your exertional level. This determines whether you can perform sedentary work or heavy work and how much weight you can carry. The RFC also determines how much you can bend down and climb. After examining all of these factors and other information, the claims examiner will make a decision on your claim.
If you’re preparing to file for Social Security Disability benefits, you might want to speak with our law firm about your legal options — especially if your medical condition isn’t listed on the qualifying conditions list. An attorney can often help you better understand the disability determination process and what you can do to improve your odds of success.
