| The Social Security Administration deals with a wide | | | | The Social Security Administration defines a medically |
| range of diseases, disabilities, and disorders. Once you | | | | determinable physical or mental impairment as an |
| receive a diagnosis from your medical doctor you can | | | | impairment that results from anatomical, physiological, |
| check the Listing of Impairments on the Social Security | | | | or psychological abnormalities which can be shown by |
| Administration’s website. If your condition is listed, | | | | medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic |
| proceed with the benefits application. You may be | | | | techniques. Medical evidence must consist of signs, |
| eligible; you may not. Just because your condition is on | | | | symptoms, and laboratory findings. It is not based on |
| the list does not automatically allow you benefits. The | | | | the applicant’s word alone. |
| same goes if your condition is not on the Listing of | | | | Examples from the Listing of Impairments include |
| Impairments. File anyway. | | | | disorders, disabilities and diseases in the: |
| What does the Listing of Impairments contain? | | | | • Musculoskeletal system |
| The list reviews impairments across each major body | | | | • Cardiovascular system |
| system that are considered severe enough to thwart | | | | • Respiratory system |
| an individual from doing any gainful activity. | | | | • Digestive system |
| Impairments must be severe enough to cause marked | | | | • Endocrine system |
| and severe functional limitations in the case of | | | | • Neurological system |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applicants who are | | | | • Immune system |
| under age 18. Generally, the impairments are | | | | • Special senses and speech |
| permanent, have lasted longer than twelve months, or | | | | • Growth impairment |
| are expected to result in death. The Listing of | | | | • Mental function, and more |
| Impairments criteria apply to both the Social Security | | | | Applying for disability benefits can be a complicated |
| Disability Insurance Program and the SSI program. | | | | and arduous process. Many applicants seek guidance |
| What is a medically determinable impairment? | | | | from legal counsel or other personal representatives. |