What Is the Most Approved Disability? The Top 10 Disabilities Approved by Social Security

If you’re unable to work due to a serious health condition, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits. However, not all conditions automatically qualify, and you must meet specific medical criteria established by the SSA.

In this article, we’ll explore what is the most approved disability for SSDI, including common conditions like musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular problems, and mental health impairments. We’ll also cover the medical evidence and other requirements needed to strengthen your claim.

By understanding what medical conditions qualify for Social Security disability and how to present compelling medical documentation, you can improve your chances of securing the disability benefits you deserve.

The basics of qualifying for SSDI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federally funded program that provides financial support to individuals whose disabilities limit or prevent them from working.

To qualify, you must:

• Work long enough in jobs covered by Social Security
• Have a disability that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death
• Have a condition that matches or equals an eligible condition listed in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Blue Book

It’s important to know that just because your condition isn’t listed in the Blue Book does not mean you are ineligible to receive SSDI benefits. If your condition is not listed, you may still be eligible for disability by proving your impairment is equal in severity to a listed condition. 

Top 10 medical conditions that qualify for Social Security disability

Once you understand the basics of qualifying for SSDI, the next question is often: Which diseases are eligible for disability? Below, we list 10 of the most common disabilities that meet the SSA’s standards.

1. Musculoskeletal disorders 

Musculoskeletal conditions, which affect the bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues, are a leading cause of disability in the U.S. In fact, they account for 30% of all disability claims, often due to the chronic pain and reduced mobility they cause. This makes them the most approved disability for SSDI benefits.

Examples of musculoskeletal conditions mentioned in Section 1.00 of the Blue Book include arthritis, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia, and avascular necrosis, among many others.

2. Depression, bipolar disorder, and related conditions

Depression, bipolar disorder, and related mental health conditions make up 11.6% of disability claims. Symptoms like difficulty concentrating, noticeable physical restlessness, or slowed movements can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to perform work-related tasks.

Depressive and bipolar conditions are located in Section 12.04 of the SSA’s Blue Book. There, you can find a list of characteristics you must have in order to qualify for SSDI benefits for these conditions.

3. Nervous system conditions

Disorders of the nervous system make up 10.3% of all disability claims, making them the third most common disability approved by the SSA for benefits.

These conditions cause a significant limitation if symptoms interfere with your ability to do work-related tasks. This can include difficulties with standing, walking, balancing, or using both arms for large movements or fine motor skills. 

Neurological disorders are listed in Section 11.00 of the SSA’s Blue Book. A few examples of conditions you may receive disability for include epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cerebral palsy, early-onset Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy, among others. 

4. Intellectual disorders

An intellectual disorder limits an individual’s intelligence and ability to live independently. They are identified by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.  

Intellectual disorders can be lifelong conditions that typically appear during childhood, and they make up about 9.1% of disability claims with Social Security. This makes them the fourth most approved type of SSDI claim. 

Individuals hoping to qualify for SSDI for an intellectual disorder can find the requirements listed under Section 12.05.

5. Circulatory system disorders

Circulatory conditions, which affect the heart and blood vessels, account for 6.7% of claims received by the SSA. 

The SSA lists circulatory conditions under Section 4.00 of its Blue Book, including chronic heart failure, heart transplants, ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and chronic venous insufficiency. Also listed are symptoms and test findings required to receive disability for a circulatory condition.

6. Schizophrenia spectrum and psychotic disorders

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder that is considered a serious mental health condition. It affects how people think, feel, and behave and may consist of a mix of hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and behavior. 

According to the SSA, approximately 4.7% of all claims belong to this category. Schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders are listed in the Blue Book under Section 12.03. Other examples of conditions evaluated under this category are schizoaffective disorder and delusional disorder. 

7. Other mental disorders

Mental disorders classified by the SSA as ‘other’ include conditions like anxiety, eating disorders, impulse control disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These illnesses can take over a person’s life and severely limit their ability to work.

These conditions are listed under Sections 12.06, 12.07, 12.08, 12.13, and 12.15 of the SSA’s Blue Book and make up 4.5% of all disability claims. 

8.  Injuries

Injuries account for 3.5% of all disability claims with the SSA. This category can vary widely. 

Limb injuries such as fractures, amputations, or severe nerve damage can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, and limitations in doing daily tasks, significantly impairing your ability to work. These can be found in the SSA’s Blue Book under Section 1.20, Section 1.22, and Section 1.23. 

Soft tissue injuries, like severe sprains, strains, or torn ligaments, can lead to prolonged pain, swelling, and reduced function in affected areas. These conditions are listed in Section 1.21 and should be under continuing surgical management in order to qualify for SSDI benefits. 

Back injuries include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and chronic pain, among others. These conditions can cause persistent pain and severely limit movement, making it difficult to maintain a job. They can be found in Section 1.15 and Section 1.16 of the Blue Book. 

9. Cancer (Malignant neoplasm)

Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably. The condition can affect almost any part of the body and may spread to other areas. It often forms tumors, although blood cancers like leukemia don’t form solid masses.

Cancer and malignant neoplastic diseases account for 3.2% of all disability claims and are listed under Section 13.00. Common qualifying cancers include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. 

10. Neurocognitive disorders 

Neurocognitive disorder is a general term used to describe a decrease in mental function due to a disease other than a psychiatric condition. These conditions consist of 3% of total disability claims, making them the tenth most approved disability for SSDI benefits. They are listed under Section 12.02 of the SSA Blue Book. 

These disorders can look very different from person to person and have a wide range of causes. Conditions in this category include Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and infections, just to name a few.

Applying for SSDI benefits

Now that you know what medical conditions qualify for Social Security disability and you’ve confirmed that you have a qualifying condition, you may be ready to apply for SSDI. It’s essential to ensure your claim is as strong as possible. A well-prepared SSDI claim can help you avoid unnecessary delays or an inaccurate denial.

Medical evidence is the foundation of any SSDI claim. The SSA requires medical documentation to verify the existence and severity of your impairment.

To strengthen your claim, include:

• Test results (lab work, X-rays, MRIs, etc.)
• Doctor’s notes and medical records
• Reports from specialists or treating physicians
• Any other documentation that clearly shows the severity and impact of your condition

How Woods & Woods can help

Having a disability shouldn’t mean losing your peace of mind. At Woods & Woods, we help individuals with disabilities connect with legal help. If you’re seeking SSDI benefits, call us today for a free case evaluation.

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