The SSA’s Listing of Impairments (Blue Book)

The SSA maintains a comprehensive listing of impairments (also known as the “Blue Book”) outlining different health problems that are severe enough to prevent someone from working. If your health issue matches one in the Blue Book, you might qualify for SSDI. The Blue Book divides these health issues into 14 main categories. Here’s a look at each category and the kinds of conditions it includes:

• Musculoskeletal System Disorders: This category includes problems with your bones, joints, and muscles. Examples are severe back injuries and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis that make it hard to move.

• Special Senses and Speech Disorders: This category focuses on conditions that affect your sight, hearing, and speaking ability. This includes blindness, hearing loss that can’t be fixed with hearing aids, and speech issues that therapy can’t improve.

• Respiratory Disorders: This section covers diseases that make it hard to breathe, like severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis.

• Cardiovascular Disorders: These are conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. This includes chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, and conditions that require a pacemaker.

• Digestive System Disorders: Diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, and other organs involved in digestion fall into this category. Examples include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

• Genitourinary Disorders: This category deals with problems in the urinary and reproductive organs, such as chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis.

• Hematological Disorders: Disorders of the blood and blood-forming organs are included here, like hemophilia, sickle cell disease, and bone marrow failure.

• Skin Disorders: Conditions that affect the skin, such as severe dermatitis, burns, and certain chronic skin infections, are covered in this category.

• Endocrine Disorders: This category includes conditions related to the glands that produce hormones, like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and adrenal gland disorders.

• Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems: This includes conditions you’re born with that impact many parts of the body, such as Down syndrome.

• Neurological Disorders: Conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system are in this category. This includes epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.

• Mental Disorders: This category covers mental health issues that affect your thinking, mood, and behavior. Examples are depression, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder.

• Cancers (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases): This category includes all types of cancer.

• Immune System Disorders: This category is for conditions that affect the immune system, like HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

What If Your Condition Isn’t Listed?

If your condition is not explicitly listed, you may still qualify. The SSA will evaluate whether your condition is “medically equivalent” in severity to a listed impairment. You must also prove that your disability prevents you from performing your previous job or adjusting to any other type of substantial work, based on your age, education, and work experience.

At The Nunley Law Group, we work closely with your doctors to translate your medical records into the kind of evidence the SSA is looking for—strengthening your case.

Common but Misunderstood Conditions That May Qualify

Many people are surprised to learn that the following conditions may qualify for SSDI if they are severe and well-documented:

• Chronic pain and fibromyalgia

• Migraines and cluster headaches

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Long COVID symptoms

• Autoimmune disorders

• Severe anxiety or panic disorders

• Autism spectrum disorders (in children or adults)

• Severe learning disabilities

Proving Your Disability

The key to a successful SSDI claim is evidence. SSA will expect to see:

• A formal diagnosis from a medical professional

• Consistent treatment records

• Imaging and test results (MRIs, X-rays, blood tests, etc.)

• Statements from doctors describing your functional limitations

• Work history and education records

At The Nunley Law Group, we help gather and organize this documentation, making sure your application clearly shows how your condition affects your ability to work.

Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer Now

Are you wondering whether your condition qualifies you for SSDI benefits? The Nunley Law Group is here to help. Contact us today for a free evaluation and we'll connect you with a leading attorney that specializes In disability. We understand how challenging the SSDI application process can be, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team is ready to look carefully at your situation and help you determine whether you can receive SSDI benefits.