SSDI Qualifying Conditions

The Listing of Impairments is not an exhaustive list of qualifying disabilities and is based on objective, medically-based criteria designed to define and evaluate the severity of a claimant’s medical condition. Here are the key components that form the basis for the listings of impairments:

1. Objective Medical Evidence:
   
   
   • The SSA relies on concrete evidence such as clinical tests, lab results, imaging studies, and documented findings from qualified medical professionals to determine whether an impairment meets the criteria of a listing.
     
     
2. Severity and Duration:
   
   
   • The listings specify not only how severe an impairment must be (in terms of functional limitations or medical findings) but also that the condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal. This ensures that only persistent, significant impairments qualify.
     
     
3. Functional Limitations:
   
   
   • Each listing details the specific physical or mental limitations associated with an impairment. This can include deficits in mobility, cognitive function, or other critical areas that impact a person’s ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
     
     
4. Medical Standards and Diagnostic Criteria:
   
   
   • The criteria within each listing are built upon established medical standards and diagnostic guidelines. This helps ensure consistency in how similar conditions are evaluated, regardless of where or by whom the evidence is gathered.
     
     
5. Objective Corroboration:
   
   
   • The listings require corroborating information beyond subjective reports of pain or discomfort. The intent is to confirm the existence and severity of the condition with verifiable data. It is useful to have third party statements with your application.
     
     
6. Adjustment for Non-Matching Conditions:
   
   
   • If a claimant’s condition does not exactly meet one of the specific listings, the SSA conducts a “residual functional capacity” assessment. This evaluates how the condition or impairment limits your ability to perform work-related activities, considering factors like age, education, and work experience.

Overall, the basis for the listings of impairments is to provide a standardized framework to objectively assess whether an impairment is disabling enough, both in severity and duration, to qualify an individual for benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. This helps ensure fairness and consistency in the disability determination process. However, if you have a condition that is not included on the list, you may still qualify for SSDI. The reviewer will simply go to the next step and ensure your disability is disabling enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least a year or is terminal. There are qualifying conditions that are not listed, such as fibromyalgia and Long COVID.

Similarly, having a listed condition doesn’t guarantee you will qualify. The SSA could still deny your application if it determines you can work or that your condition will last less than a year.