Every Social Security disability lawyer pays close attention to the blue book, for good reason. The title of the book, formally, is “Disability Evaluation Under Social Security.” Informally, many people refer to it as the blue book. The Social Security Administration (SSA) updates the blue book frequently, and 2018 was no exception.
What Is The SSD “Blue Book”?
This book lists the specific conditions and ailments that could qualify an applicant for Social Security disability benefits.
It has not been printed in a hard-bound physical edition since 2008, but online these listings are updated often.
These listings go into detail about the specific conditions and the parameters of each, listing the necessary severity of each circumstance and its medical significance.
The blue book also goes into great detail about the insurance related to Social Security Disability and the Supplemental Security Insurance program, as well as the process applicants must go through to apply for disability benefits.
How Lawyers Can Help
A qualified Social Security disability lawyer will understand the blue book and the technical requirements of each condition. It can be difficult to understand the information contained in the blue book because it uses complex language intended for legal and medical professionals. It is also geared to show what types of evidence an applicant may need to support a claim for benefits. As so many Social Security disability claims are denied, having the knowledge that the blue book provides could make the difference between an approved claim and a rejection notice.