1. The SSA’s Listing of Impairments

The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments, also known as the “Blue Book,” which includes conditions that may qualify for disability if specific criteria are met. These listings are divided into categories for adults and children, with detailed medical requirements for each condition.

2. Common Qualifying Conditions in Wisconsin

A. Musculoskeletal Disorders

These include conditions that cause severe limitations in movement and functioning, such as:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Severe arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
• Spinal disorders (herniated discs, spinal stenosis)
• Amputations
• Fractures that do not heal properly

B. Neurological Disorders

Neurological conditions that may qualify include:

• Epilepsy (despite treatment)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Stroke (CVA) with lasting limitations
• Peripheral neuropathy severe enough to impair function

C. Mental Disorders

Mental health conditions are also considered if they severely limit your ability to work, such as:

• Depression and bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Intellectual disorders
• Anxiety disorders

D. Cardiovascular Conditions

Heart-related conditions may qualify, including:

• Congestive heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Peripheral artery disease
• Chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

E. Respiratory Disorders

Severe breathing conditions that limit work ability include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma that is not controlled despite treatment
• Pulmonary fibrosis

F. Cancer

Certain cancers automatically qualify if they meet SSA criteria, including:

• Stage IV cancers
• Cancer that has metastasized
• Certain aggressive cancers such as pancreatic or liver cancer

G. Immune System Disorders

Qualifying immune disorders include:

• HIV/AIDS with severe complications
• Lupus affecting multiple body systems
• Rheumatoid arthritis with major organ involvement
• Scleroderma

3. What if Your Condition is Not Listed?

If your condition is not specifically listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, you can still qualify if:

• Your condition is medically equivalent in severity to a listed condition, or
• You can demonstrate that your medical condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) in any job you are qualified for, considering your age, education, and work history

This is known as a medical-vocational allowance.

4. Medical Evidence is Critical

To qualify, you must provide strong medical documentation, including:

• Diagnoses from specialists
• Lab results, imaging studies, and functional test results
• Treatment history and response to treatments
• Doctor’s notes detailing your symptoms and limitations in daily activities

5. Importance of Continuing Medical Treatment

The SSA will assess whether you are following prescribed treatments. Failure to follow treatment recommendations without a valid reason can negatively affect your application.