If you’re thinking about applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), one of the first questions you might have is:
“Does my condition qualify for benefits?”
The good news is that many different physical and mental health conditions can qualify — if they are severe enough to keep you from working full-time.
In this article, we’ll explain some of the most common medical issues that often lead to disability approvals, and what Social Security looks for in each case.
How Social Security Decides if a Condition Qualifies
✅ It’s not just the diagnosis that matters — it’s how the condition affects your ability to work.
Social Security asks two main questions:
- Is your condition severe and expected to last at least 12 months?
- Does it prevent you from doing your past work or adjusting to other work?
If the answer is “yes,” your condition may qualify you for disability benefits.
Common Physical Conditions That Qualify
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders
These are among the most common reasons for disability approval. They include:
- Severe back problems (herniated discs, spinal stenosis)
- Joint disorders (hip, knee, or shoulder replacements)
- Severe arthritis
- Fractures that don’t heal properly
- Chronic pain disorders like fibromyalgia
Social Security looks at your ability to walk, stand, lift, and sit when deciding these cases.
2. Cardiovascular Conditions
Heart and blood vessel problems can also qualify you for benefits, such as:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Coronary artery disease
- History of heart attacks with ongoing limitations
- Peripheral artery disease
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) that cause severe symptoms
3. Respiratory Disorders
If you have serious lung problems, you may qualify for disability.
Conditions include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Asthma (severe, despite treatment)
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Sleep apnea (only if it causes severe complications)
4. Neurological Disorders
Nervous system conditions that limit your ability to work can lead to SSD or SSI approval:
- Epilepsy (especially uncontrolled seizures)
- Stroke with lasting impairments
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Peripheral neuropathy (severe nerve damage)
5. Cancer
Many types of cancer qualify, especially if:
- The cancer is aggressive or spreading
- You need intensive treatment (like chemotherapy or radiation)
- The treatment causes significant side effects that limit your ability to work
Some cancers, like certain types of lung or pancreatic cancer, are fast-tracked for approval under SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program.
Common Mental Health Conditions That Qualify
6. Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Severe depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and PTSD can qualify if they:
- Seriously limit your daily activities
- Prevent you from concentrating, completing tasks, or interacting with others
Social Security looks closely at treatment history and functional limitations for mental health claims.
7. Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia
More serious psychiatric conditions often qualify for benefits, especially if you have:
- Frequent hospitalizations
- Severe mood swings
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Difficulty with reality-based tasks
8. Developmental and Cognitive Disorders
These can include:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Intellectual disabilities
- Learning disabilities that severely limit adult functioning
These claims often require evaluations and testing to show how much the disorder limits work ability.
Other Conditions That May Qualify
There are many other conditions that can qualify, depending on severity, including:
- Autoimmune diseases (like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Kidney disease (especially if on dialysis)
- Liver disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Chronic migraines (if debilitating)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “list” that guarantees approval — what matters most is how your condition limits your ability to work.
Even if your condition isn’t widely known or doesn’t fit neatly into a category, you may still qualify if it severely impacts your daily life.
✅ Strong medical evidence
✅ Consistent treatment
✅ Clear documentation of your limitations
— These are the keys to winning an SSD or SSI case, no matter what condition you have.
If you’re unsure whether your condition might qualify, it’s a good idea to speak with a disability expert or attorney. They can help evaluate your situation and guide you through the next steps.