Social Security Disability Attorneys Arlington

Ailments Covered Under Social Security Disability (SSDI & SSI)

Social Security disability (“SSD”) benefits are a great aid to Americans who are sick, injured, and/or disabled. Administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), these benefits arrive in the form of regular monthly payments.

Not all applicants, however, qualify for such payments. The SSA currently has a list of mental and physical conditions that qualify as a disability, included in what is called the ‘Blue Book.’ If your condition matches a disability that is listed, you may qualify for benefits.

Before applying, you should consult a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Arlington. The Blue Book listings can be very complex, requiring you to satisfy numerous and intricate criteria. Sometimes, your health issue may not exactly fit certain criteria, in which case you will need further proof of your medical condition.

What does the Blue Book contain?

The Blue Book list is updated at regular intervals and as of the latest 2020 version, the conditions covered are:

• Cancer Treatments
• Kidney and Genitourinary problems
• Hematological disorders, like bone marrow failure
• Skin problems
• Digestive issues or Liver diseases
• Immunity Disorders
• Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or autism
• Neurological Disorders like cerebral palsy, epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease
• Syndromes of different kinds
• Respiratory Disorders, such as asthma or COPD
• Sensory issues like loss of vision or hearing
• Musculoskeletal Issues, including back injuries
• Cardiovascular Disorders, such as heart attacks, heart failure or artery blockages

Any Arlington Texas Social Security Office can also confirm if your disease is covered under SSI.

What do you do when you see your condition listed in the Blue Book?

Once you have been diagnosed with a medical condition and find it listed in the Blue Book, you need to know the treatment procedure. Most of the coverage depends on the specific medical criteria mentioned for that disease. Lab tests are required to determine if you meet the criteria.

Although you can always wait for the SSA to perform the clinical tests, that can take a very long time. Your SSD Attorney Arlington representative will advise you to have the tests conducted earlier so that your medical reports are ready for review as soon as possible.

If you have the reports already done, the SSA can more quickly assess your claim for approval or denial.

Does your medical condition have to match a Blue Book listing?

People are often diagnosed with different kinds of diseases, many of which may not be mentioned in the listings. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is willing to consider diseases that are medically equivalent to the illnesses already listed. The technical term for having a qualifying disability is if your disability is “equal” to a listing.

Apart from the process mentioned above, you can also be considered for benefits if you are unable to work. In this situation, even if your medical condition doesn’t match or equal a disability on the list, you may still be able to receive benefits.

In cases like these, your Social Security Office in Arlington will consider your work capacity. It will evaluate your condition and determine if there is any work that you can perform. If not, then you may receive disability benefits.

Again, if your condition is not listed in the Blue Book and you are unable to work, you may be approved under a medical-vocational allowance. This determination is mostly based on your work history, your work ability, your education level and your disability qualifications.

What  diseases are not listed in the Blue Book?

To avoid any confusion, it’s a good idea to be aware of the conditions not listed in the Blue Book.
They include:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Celiac disease
• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic regional pain syndrome

Which of the diseases can get disability approval?

As shown earlier, cases that include diseases which are not listed in the Blue Book are also given approval. Some conditions, however, may allow you to get faster approval for SSD benefits than others. If you are uncertain about the disease, you should  consult a legal professional. Get in touch with one of our Arlington disability attorneys  today to get the expertise you need to apply for SSD benefits.

How to apply for Disability Benefits in Arlington

Applying for Social Security Benefits involves  filling out and sending in a lot of forms and documents.  This process can be tiresome especially if you are unwell.

• Before you decide to apply for SSD benefits, make sure all of your medical reports are available. Seek assistance from your doctor to get your medical records and information about your work limitations.
• For example, check to see if your doctor answered the following questions about your medical condition: Can you work full-time or carry heavy objects? Do you get tired easily or struggle to remember basic tasks?
• Make sure that you or your lawyer have consulted with a doctor, about your medical condition.
• Without medical records such as a doctor’s prescriptions, medical reports, diagnoses and other advice, your application for SSD benefits may be outright rejected.

You can apply for SSD in different ways:

• Call the local Social Security Office to schedule an appointment
• Apply online at the SSA website
• Visit your local Social Security Office without an appointment
• Contact an experienced attorney for complete assistance

At Chermol & Fishman, LLC, we encourage you to speak to our legal team first before filling out any paperwork. We have a keen understanding of the social security system and how it works. We have extensive experience in representing clients with all types of disability claims who are from different backgrounds and walks of life. We will fight for your rights  and make sure that you have the best chances of getting your application for SSD benefits approved.