1. SSA’s Definition of Disability

To qualify for SSDI, your condition must:

• Prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• Be severe enough to significantly limit basic work activities
• Have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 continuous months or result in death

SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments, also called the “Blue Book,” that outlines conditions considered severe enough to automatically qualify if specific criteria are met.

2. Common Qualifying Conditions for SSDI in Ohio

Below are categories and examples of medical conditions that often qualify:

Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated discs
• Severe arthritis affecting major joints
• Spinal stenosis
• Fractures with long-term complications

Neurological Disorders

• Epilepsy (despite treatment)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Traumatic brain injury with cognitive or motor impairment

Mental Disorders

• Severe depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Autism spectrum disorders (severe functional limitations)
• Intellectual disabilities with significantly low IQ and adaptive functioning

Cardiovascular Disorders

• Chronic heart failure
• Ischemic heart disease (e.g. coronary artery disease with severe limitations)
• Peripheral artery disease with walking limitations
• Recurrent arrhythmias causing fainting

Respiratory Disorders

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma (persistent, severe despite treatment)
• Pulmonary fibrosis

Immune System Disorders

• HIV/AIDS with severe complications
• Lupus affecting multiple body systems
• Rheumatoid arthritis with major joint deformities

Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)

Certain aggressive cancers automatically qualify, such as:

• Acute leukemia
• Inoperable or metastatic cancers
• Pancreatic cancer
• Small-cell lung cancer

Less aggressive cancers may qualify if treatment is not effective or causes severe complications.

Digestive Disorders

• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis with frequent hospitalizations
• Chronic liver disease (cirrhosis with severe complications)

Endocrine Disorders

• Uncontrolled diabetes causing neuropathy or organ damage
• Thyroid disorders with severe metabolic complications

3. What If Your Condition Is Not in SSA’s Listings?

If your condition is not listed, you can still qualify if:

• It is medically equivalent to a listed condition in severity
• Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) shows you cannot perform any past work or other work available in the national economy due to your limitations

4. How SSA Evaluates Your Condition

SSA will assess:

• Your complete medical records, including test results, hospitalizations, and specialist evaluations
• Statements from your treating doctors explaining your functional limitations
• Your ability to perform basic physical and mental work activities, such as standing, walking, lifting, remembering instructions, and interacting with others

5. Importance of Thorough Medical Evidence

To improve your chances of approval:

• Maintain consistent treatment with specialists or your primary care physician
• Obtain detailed doctor’s statements describing how your condition limits your daily activities and ability to work
• Follow all prescribed treatments unless medically excused, as non-compliance can harm your case