What Conditions Qualify for Disability in Oklahoma?

If you are unable to work due to a disability, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays disability benefits to help people just like you. SSDI is a federal program that helps people with physical disorders and mental disorders.

In this article we’ll talk about the Social Security Administration’s list of qualifying disabilities. But if your disability isn’t on the list, you may still qualify for disability benefits. We’ll talk about that, too.

For specific advice about your case, your best option is to consult a disability lawyer. An experienced lawyer will know all the rules and procedures, and can help you determine how to improve your chances of winning SSDI benefits.

Eligibility for SSDI Benefits

Before we talk about qualifying medical conditions, it’s important to know that you must meet some minimum requirements to be eligible for disability benefits.

Federal disability programs are funded by income taxes, and you must have paid into the system previously to withdraw from it now. To be eligible to apply, you must:

1. Meet minimum work history requirements. The required number of work credits varies based on your age, but for age 40 and up the rule of thumb is that you should have worked 5 out of the last 10 years.
2. Meet medical condition requirements. Your medical disability is expected to prevent you from substantial gainful activity, aka employment, for at least one year.

RELATED: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim

Qualifying Medical Conditions

The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a comprehensive list of qualifying impairments called the Blue Book. Having one of these impairments does not mean you automatically qualify for SSDI benefits. It simply means that the SSA recognizes these conditions can often prevent people from earning an income.

The SSA criteria for conditions in the Blue Book can help you understand what medical evidence you need to provide and streamline the approval process. The list of conditions is as follows:

• Musculoskeletal Disorders: arthritis, neck pain, herniated disc, scoliosis, osteoporosis, amputations, and more.
• Special Senses and Speech: vision impairment, vision loss, hearing loss, severe speech impediments, and more.
• Respiratory Disorders: severe asthma, COPD and emphysema, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnea and more.
• Cardiovascular System: arrhythmia, fibrillation, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and more.
• Digestive Disorders: Crohn’s disease, hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis, and more.
• Genitourinary Disorders: chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, kidney transplants, and more.
• Hematological Disorders: sickle cell anemia, hemostasis, thrombosis, bone marrow failure, and more.
• Skin Disorders: dermatitis, Bullous disease, severe burns, and more.
• Endocrine Disorders: pancreatitis, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and more.
• Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems: usually referring to types of Down’s syndrome, but can also mean chronic fatigue syndrome, long COVID, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and more.
• Neurological Disorders: Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, seizure disorder, stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and more.
• Mental Disorders: anxiety disorder, autism, bipolar disorder, severe depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drug or alcohol addiction, neurocognitive disorders, and more.
• Cancer: nearly any severe cancer condition including esophageal cancer, leukemia, mesothelioma, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, stomach cancer, and more.
• Immune System Disorders: Grave’s disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and more.

If your disabling condition is included in the SSA’s listing of impairments, then you’ll have a pretty good idea of what criteria you must meet to be approved for SSDI payments. While your case will still need to be reviewed by Disability Determination Services, following the impairment listing framework can help you provide the right evidence for your case.

Always remember to keep up with your doctor visits and follow your treatment plan as closely as possible. Your medical records will be extremely important in the disability benefits application process.

RELATED: Can You Get Social Security Disability in Oklahoma for a Mental Illness?

Can You Still Get Disability Benefits if Your Impairment Is Not on the List?

Fortunately, Social Security disability benefits are also awarded to people even if their impairments are not included in the Blue Book. If you don’t see your condition on the list, you can either try to show that your disability is similar to one of the listings in the book, or you can show that your condition (or combination of conditions) leaves you unable to earn income.

In order to meet the disability requirements for something that is not listed in the Blue Book, your impairment must meet these qualifications:

1. You have a medically determinable impairment. This means that you can prove your disability exists through medical records and evidence, using things like test results or statements from your psychologist.
2. Your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in your death.
3. You cannot continue your job or find another job to meet your current capacity. The SSA uses a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment to determine if there is any job that you can do.

If you believe you meet these requirements, you still need to do a lot of work to convince your state’s Disability Determination Services that you qualify to begin receiving benefits. Here are some steps you can take to start the disability process:

• Tell your doctor about your limitations and ask that they include these in your medical documents.
• Ask your doctor to help you fill out an RFC assessment. The Social Security Administration may want to have one of their experts do your assessment, but by creating your own assessment you can establish another piece of medical evidence that shows your limitations.
• If you can, attend rehabilitation services. The SSA wants to see that you are trying to medically improve, if possible. Faithfully attending rehabilitation services shows that you are putting forth the effort to return to gainful employment.
• Keep thorough notes about your limitations. Do you struggle to get dressed? How long can you walk or stand at any given time? Written records help a lot whereas memories get fuzzy.
• Talk to an experienced disability lawyer. They can help you make sure your applications include persuasive and appropriate medical records.

The federal government wants to ensure they are not sending out payments to people who are capable of earning an income, which may make the whole process seem more difficult. It takes a lot of effort and time, and it’s common for your initial application to get rejected. A lawyer can walk you through the process step by step and provide options if your application is rejected.

Many people are hesitant to hire a disability lawyer because they are afraid of the cost. But the costs are fairly straightforward and capped by the Social Security Administration.

Please read How Much Does a Social Security Disability Lawyer Cost? to see more about how payment works. Most reputable disability attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case and the benefits a lawyer can add to it.

RELATED: How Long Does It Take to Get Social Security Disability?

Let The Wolf Pack™ Put Together a Convincing Case for Your SSDI Benefits

Whether your condition is on the SSA’s list of impairments or not, The Wolf Pack™ can help you gather the right medical documentation, put together a persuasive SSDI application, and improve your chances of winning your case.

Our legal team is also experienced at helping with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. We know these programs can be challenging and frustrating, and we want to help make your life easier. With The Wolf Pack™ on your side, you’re one step closer to easing your financial struggles.

For a free consultation, give us a call or fill out our online form. Our team can help you set your expectations for your SSDI application or appeal, including the potential timelines and costs. The sooner we can get started working on your case, the more time we’ll have to gather compelling medical records, so don’t hesitate to contact us.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.