What Are The Typical Physical Impairments For Social Security Disability?

There are many types of impairments that can make a person eligible to receive disability benefits. While many of these impairments are listed in the “blue book” used by the Social Security Administration (SSA), some are not. This is why consulting with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney can be very helpful.

As the founder of The Law Offices of Cory A. DeLellis, I work closely with each of my clients to ensure that all paperwork is complete and accurate. I meet deadlines. I understand the medical requirements set forth by the Social Security Administration. I also strive to make certain that my clients understand each step of the process and can connect with me at any time.

Typical Injuries And Impairments

Many people who work strenuous jobs suffer injuries that prevent them from working. Unlike workers’ compensation, Social Security benefits are for people who have an extended work history and who are unable to work for more than a year. There is a five-month waiting period to receive SSDI.

People who work construction, in the shipyards, in manufacturing, and other manual and skilled labor jobs are at greater risk for injury and are not as able to perform manual labor jobs when they are physically impaired. Some of the more common impairments which may be considered a physical disability are:

Understanding which physical conditions potentially qualify for SSDI benefits helps claimants recognize their eligibility and prepare stronger applications:

• Musculoskeletal system disorders: These represent the largest category of physical impairments qualifying individuals for SSDI benefits, affecting bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues throughout the body. Chronic degenerative joint disease, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can severely limit mobility and manual dexterity. Spinal disorders such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease frequently cause debilitating pain and restricted movement. Major joint dysfunction affecting knees, hips, shoulders, or ankles may prevent standing, walking or lifting required for most occupations. Soft tissue injuries, including severe tendonitis, rotator cuff tears and chronic myofascial pain syndrome, can create lasting functional limitations.
• Neurological disorders: Impairments affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems often create profound disabilities. Traumatic brain injuries ranging from moderate to severe can impair cognitive function, memory, judgment and physical coordination. Spinal cord injuries causing paraplegia or quadriplegia eliminate the ability to perform most work activities. Multiple sclerosis progressively damages nerve pathways, creating unpredictable symptoms including weakness, vision problems and coordination difficulties. Epilepsy with frequent uncontrolled seizures poses safety risks incompatible with employment. Peripheral neuropathy from diabetes, chemotherapy, or other causes produces numbness, pain and weakness in extremities.
• Cardiovascular system disorders: Heart and circulatory system impairments significantly limit physical capacity. Chronic heart failure reduces the heart’s pumping efficiency, causing severe fatigue and shortness of breath with minimal exertion. Ischemic heart disease, including history of heart attacks, restricts physical activity tolerance. Peripheral arterial disease, limiting blood flow to limbs, creates claudication pain preventing sustained walking or standing. Recurrent arrhythmias causing syncope or near-syncope episodes create unpredictable incapacity.
• Respiratory system disorders: Lung and breathing conditions restrict oxygen intake, essential for sustained activity. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, progressively reduces lung function. Asthma with frequent severe exacerbations despite treatment may prevent reliable work attendance. Pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung diseases cause progressive scarring, limiting breathing capacity. Sleep apnea, resulting in chronic fatigue and cognitive impairment, can compound other physical limitations.
• Other significant physical impairments across body systems: Additional qualifying conditions include chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis, liver disease with complications, severe burns causing functional limitations, amputation of major limbs, vision loss meeting statutory blindness criteria, digestive disorders preventing adequate nutrition absorption and cancer with ongoing treatment side effects or recurrence, depending on severity and prognosis.

I understand how to present medical evidence about your physical impairment. I also know which documentation is needed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Providing the documents and evidence along with meeting deadlines will improve your chances of obtaining the SSDI or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits you need.

Ready to Apply? Learn how to get your initial application right the first time.

Get The Help You Need To Understand Your SSDI Benefits

I offer a free phone consultation so that we can assess your situation and eligibility. I will work with you to prove that your physical impairment is severe, prevents you from working, and qualifies you for benefits. I will help you every step of the way – from the initial application and through any appeals or hearings. Call 619-567-4462 or send an inquiry email to the firm. With offices in both San Diego and El Centro, my team and I serve clients throughout San Diego County and the surrounding communities.