When consulting the social security disability list of impairments, bear in mind that these listings change often. The Social Security Administration (SSA) website should have the most updated information, but it is always worth confirming that the list of impairments you are viewing has the most recent set of updates.
Among the categories on that disability list for adults:
1.00 Musculoskeletal System – relating to the muscles, the bones, and all other elements of the musculature – anything relating to back injuries would fall into this grouping, as would carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or any other issues involving hand and arm movement
2.00 Special Senses and Speech – relating to sight, hearing, producing sound, and labyrinthine-vestibular function (including balance) – this would include cataracts, blurred vision, tinnitus, and any loss of touch sensation
3.00 Respiratory Disorders – relating to breathing, and the intake and processing of oxygen – asthma and all related conditions would be included, as well as lung disease (not cancer), emphysema, or any other ailments related to the lungs
4.00 Cardiovascular System – relating to the heart and circulatory systems, including high blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
5.00 Digestive System – relating to the intake, processing, and excretion of nutrients — gastro-intestinal ailments would fall into this category
6.00 Genitourinary Disorders – relating to the genital and urinary organs. These may include infectious diseases, trauma, or any conditions that involve the urinary structure. Conditions that impact the reproductive organs also qualify.
7.00 Hematological Disorders – relating to the blood, and organs that filter the blood – kidney ailments, Hepatitis, and liver disease are all considered hematological, as is sepsis. Blood infections are also hematological.
8.00 Skin Disorders – relating to infections of the skin, burns, photosensitivity, and all other skin issues. Any inflammations of the epidermis may qualify a person for benefits under this category.
9.00 Endocrine Disorders – relating to the secretion of hormones and other glandular issues. If a gland produces too much or too little of a hormone, it will fall into this category.
10.00 Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems – any disease acquired at birth can qualify here, whether it is due to inherited genetic disposition or due to environmental causes. Birth defects can take a variety of forms, and can continue to impact a person’s health into adulthood. Congenital disorder coverage is not limited to children.
11.00 Neurological Disorders – such as Parkinson’s disease, ALS, or epilepsy. Seizure disorders of all varieties would be included here as well.
12.00 Mental Disorders, including depression, panic disorders, and schizophrenia – chemical imbalances of the brain would be included here, as well as trauma-induced disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
13.00 Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases) – all varieties of cancer, in all parts of the body, fall into this category. Leukemia also falls into this grouping.
Within each of those categories are the various subcategories – in the case of 1.00, there are eight, including “1.04 – Disorders of the spine” and “1.05 – Amputation (due to any cause).”
Your Claim will Fare better if you understand the SSA Listings
If you are filing a disability benefits claim, it will help to know how the Social Security Administration (SSA) categorizes its medical conditions – and, specifically, the conditions affecting you. Working within their organizational system will streamline the process.
If you would like help navigating the SSA disability lists, or understanding where your disability is described in these lists of impairments, please contact our office in Cincinnati. We understand how complex social security can be to navigate, and we have plenty of experience dealing with the fine points of disability compensation.