Hobart Permanent Disability Lawyer

The biggest concern SSD and SSI applicants have is whether they qualify as disabled, and whether the Social Security Administration will take their application seriously.

In the eyes of the SSA, you are disabled if you meet three conditions:

  • You are unable to do work you once could do.
  • You are unable to adjust to doing other kinds of work.
  • Your disability is lasting. (You must have had this condition for 12 months or expect it to last for 12 months. Or, you are expected to die from it.)

Joseph Nugent, Northwest Indiana Permanent Disability Attorney

There are a great many conditions that create disability. The SSA distinguishes between those that are physical and those that are mental. Here are some of the more common ones afflicting adults. The list of qualifying disabilities is much longer, and benefits can be awarded to conditions not in the “blue book” of listed conditions.

Physical Conditions

Neck, shoulder and back injuries

Lost vision and hearing

Cancer

AIDS and HIV

Asthma

Spina bifida

Gastrointestinal problems

Heart attacks and strokes

COPD

Multiple sclerosis

Hip and knee replacements

Foot injuries

Epilepsy and seizures

Rheumatoid arthritis

Mental Conditions

Depression

Bipolar syndrome

High anxiety

Organic brain dysfunction

Schizophrenia

Autistic spectrum disorders

Phobias and panic attacks

Psychotic disorders

Personality disorders

Substance addiction disorders

Affective disorders

Mental retardation

Memory problems

ADD and ADHD

While the SSA acknowledges these and other conditions, you must do more to qualify for benefits than be sick or injured. You must be able to present a case for benefits, including clear and persuasive medical documents, that make it hard for the SSA to say no. That’s where a skilled lawyer, experienced in the complexities of the SSD and SSI processes, is invaluable.

Note that the standards for disability are lower for people 50 or older. This is because SSA realizes that it is harder for older people to make career changes.

This is just scratching the surface of the complexities of Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income qualifications. For more information, and for guidance in your particular situation, call Joseph Nugent, Attorney at Law, in Hobart, at 219-945-9766, and schedule a free, informative consultation.

Call or email Joe Nugent now for more information.