A Guide to Medical Listings of Impairments To Qualify for SSI/SSDI

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have a severe medical impairment that is expected to last 12 months or more and/or result in death. The SSA’s Blue Book of Medical Listing of Impairments outlines criteria that meet severity level requirements, and each listing also provides information on the medical evidence necessary for proving disability.

If you are living with a serious medical condition that makes working difficult or impossible, you may be wondering if you qualify for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the Blue Book to evaluate whether a person’s condition is severe enough to warrant Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

This guide explains outlines in easy to understand terms what the Blue Book is, which medical impairments are included, and what evidence you need to qualify. If you would like to receive assistance with your application to apply for benefits, receive assistance to appeal a denial of your claim, or receive assistance with a hearing, then please call us now! 

What Is the SSA Blue Book? 

The Blue Book is the SSA’s official manual of qualifying medical conditions for disability benefits. It outlines specific impairments across body systems, such as: 

• Musculoskeletal disorders 
• Cancer Disorders 
• Kidney Disorders (Genitourinary Disorders) Incluring Dialysis. 
• Mental health conditions 
• Neurological disorders 
• Cardiovascular diseases 
• Respiratory illnesses 

Each listing provides criteria that must be met in order for a condition to qualify as severe under SSA rules. These criteria often include specific test results, functional limitations, and documented treatment history. 

How Does the Blue Book Work? 

The Blue Book is divided into Adult Listings (Part A) and Child Listings (Part B). If your condition is listed in Part A and you meet the medical criteria, you may qualify for benefits. However, not being listed does not automatically mean you are ineligible. The SSA also considers functional limitations, work history, and residual functional capacity. 

To be approved: 

• Your condition must prevent you from working any substantial job
• It must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• You need to provide strong medical evidence showing how your condition affects daily life and work ability

Common Conditions in the Blue Book 

Here are some commonly listed conditions that may qualify: 

Cancer Disorders:

• Breast cancer 
• Lung cancer
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma (including Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s)
• Skin cancer (including melanoma)
• Esophageal, pancreatic, and liver cancers
• Cancers of the brain or spinal cord
• Any cancer that is inoperable, recurrent, or has metastasized 

Kidney Disorders (Genitourinary Disorders), including Dialysis 

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) with reduced kidney function
• End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
• Frequent or prolonged hospitalizations due to kidney failure
• Ongoing dialysis treatments (hemodialysis or peritoneal)
• Kidney transplant recipients (considered disabled for at least 12 months post-transplant) 
• Complications such as fluid overload, anemia, or bone disease related to kidney failure 

Mental Disorders

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Autism spectrum disorder 

Musculoskeletal Disorders 

• Spinal disorders
• Joint dysfunction
• Fractures that do not heal properly
• Amputations 

Neurological Disorders 

• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Cerebral palsy
• Parkinson’s disease 

Cardiovascular Conditions 

• Chronic heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Recurrent arrhythmias 

Immune System Disorders 

• Lupus
• HIV/AIDS
• Rheumatoid arthritis 

Respiratory Conditions 

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Pulmonary fibrosis