When you’re already physically exhausted by a chronic illness or sidelined by a sudden injury, the last thing you want to deal with is a mountain of federal paperwork. For our neighbors here in Temple and Waco, applying for Social Security benefits isn’t just about “filing a claim.” It’s about protecting your home and your family’s future.
Merryl Jones, Second Chance Lawyer, believes everyone who has paid into the system should be awarded the benefits the deserve. To aid your claim, we’ve created a comprehensive guide detailing qualifying medical conditions and common application errors to avoid denial.
What are the Top Social Security Disability Conditions?
The SSA uses a detailed guide called the “Blue Book,” which lists medical conditions severe enough to prevent an individual from performing “substantial gainful activity” (regular work). While the list contains hundreds of conditions, some categories are seen more frequently in successful disability applications.
1. Musculoskeletal and Joint Disorders
The most common reason for disability claims involves the body’s structure and movement. This group includes conditions like chronic, debilitating back pain, progressive disc disease, severe inflammatory arthritis, and significant scoliosis. If a problem with your spine or a joint deformity prevents you from walking normally or using your hands for fine tasks, you may meet the SSA’s specific requirements.
2. Mental and Psychiatric Conditions
The SSA considers mental well-being to be just as important as physical health, provided there is extensive professional medical documentation. Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia can qualify someone for benefits if their symptoms prevent them from understanding instructions, interacting appropriately with others, or maintaining a reliable work schedule.
3. Neurological and Nervous System Disorders
Medical issues that affect the brain and central nervous system fall under this category. Common qualifying diagnoses include recurring epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and lasting effects from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The SSA will look for clear evidence of significant difficulty with motor skills or major cognitive limitations.
4. Cardiovascular and Heart Diseases
Heart and circulatory problems are a major cause of disability across Texas. People with chronic heart failure, significant coronary artery disease, and those who have had heart transplants often qualify for benefits. The SSA typically assesses these conditions based on how well you tolerate exercise and the results of diagnostic tests like EKGs or stress tests.
5. Respiratory and Lung Diseases
Conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), severe, persistent asthma, and cystic fibrosis can make it impossible to hold a job that requires physical labor or exposes you to dust and chemical fumes. If your breathing capacity is significantly reduced, you may be eligible under the respiratory impairment listing.
6. Cancer and Oncological Illnesses
The SSA handles cancer applications with a high degree of urgency. Depending on the cancer’s type, how advanced it is, and the debilitating side effects of treatment (such as extreme fatigue from chemotherapy), an applicant may be granted a “Compassionate Allowance,” granting a much faster approval process.
7. Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Although the specific listing for obesity was removed years ago, the SSA still recognizes the disabling effects of endocrine disorders like Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes becomes a primary factor in a disability decision when it leads to serious secondary complications, such as nerve damage (neuropathy), vision loss, or cardiovascular issues.
8. Sensory Impairments
A significant loss of vision or hearing that cannot be corrected with glasses, hearing aids, or surgery is a qualifying condition. The SSA uses specific measurements for what they define as “statutory blindness” and the level of decibel loss required to satisfy their criteria.
Critical Mistakes to Avoid During the Application Process
Even if you have a condition that is well-documented by doctors and listed above, one simple mistake on a form can result in a denial. In fact, a majority of initial applications are denied because of errors that could have been prevented.
Applying for the Wrong Program
Many applicants in Central Texas get confused between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- SSDI depends on your work history and the “credits” you have earned by paying FICA taxes over the years.
- SSI is a program based on financial need, designed for individuals with very limited income and assets, regardless of their work history.
Filing for the incorrect program or not realizing you might qualify for both can significantly delay the start of your payments.
Submitting Your Application Too Early
To be eligible for disability benefits, your medical condition must have already lasted, or be expected to last, for a minimum of 12 continuous months or result in death. If you file your application right after a surgery, before the long-term prognosis is clear, the SSA might deny you. They will state that your condition is “not durationally significant.” It is essential to have medical records that confirm the long-term nature of your impairment.
Leaving the Application Incomplete
The SSA application requires a great deal of information. Many people skip sections about their daily routines or fail to provide complete contact information for every doctor and hospital they have visited. An application that is not fully completed forces the claims reviewer to make a decision based on a thin file, which almost always ends in a denial. You must fully account for every medical provider, every medication, and every job you have held over the last 5 years.
Missing Key Deadlines
The disability process operates under strict deadlines. If the SSA denies your first claim, you typically have just 60 days to file a Request for Reconsideration. Missing that deadline means you may have to start the entire application process from the very beginning, potentially losing months or years of owed back pay. Maintaining organization is not optional; it is required for a successful outcome.
Why Local Representation Matters in Temple and Waco
Merryl Jones – Second Chance Lawyer specializes in Central Texas Social Security Disability cases, focusing on the Temple and Waco field offices. We understand exactly what local Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) require regarding medical testimony and presenting your “Residual Functional Capacity” (RFC) to prove you cannot work locally or nationally.
In Texas, a professional advocate is essential to ensure your application, including all medical evidence from MRIs to specialist opinions, receives proper attention and is presented persuasively to overcome case backlogs.
Contact Us for More About Social Security Disability Conditions
If a chronic health condition makes maintaining employment difficult, Merryl Jones – Second Chance Lawyer can help residents in Temple, Waco, and surrounding Texas communities navigate the federal application process, whether you’re starting or appealing a denial.
Understanding Social Security disability conditions is key. We handle the legal complexities; you focus on your health.
Contact us today or visit our website to schedule your free consultation. Give yourself the second chance you deserve.
