Social Security Disability Blue Book

The Social Security Administration evaluates each claim using a comprehensive list of medical conditions, the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, commonly referred to as the Blue Book. The idea is that the SSA can quickly locate a condition in the Blue Book and determine whether your condition qualifies you for disability benefits.

There are two parts to the book: Part A is used to evaluate Adults (individuals 18 years or older) and Part B is used to evaluate children (under the age of 18). The SSA separated the book into two parts because some illnesses affect children much differently than adults and thus need to be evaluated under different conditions.

Both parts divide general impairments into categories (part A has 14 while part B has 15) where each category lays out the restrictions and specifications for a condition to qualify for benefits.

When you are in the initial application process or in the request for reconsideration phase, the Blue Book can help you determine what medical documentation will help to make your case as strong as possible. If you locate your condition in the Blue Book, you can see what information will be used to decide your claim and you can provide as much evidence to support your case.

The Blue Book was written for medical and disability professionals, so some listings are complex. Some listings require specific results from tests and examinations, which your doctor will be able to assist you with. By review the listing with your doctor, you can ensure you will have enough medical evidence to qualify. But, even if you medically qualify, you will still need to meet the technical qualifications.

In some cases, though, your condition is not enough to qualify you for disability benefits, and so the SSA will request that you complete a residual function capacity form (RFC). The RFC determines how much work you are capable of performing given the limitations of your condition.

Your doctor is the one who fills out the RFC form, thus ensuring that the information provided is based entirely upon your medical history.

The RFC form is your chance to present specific information about your unique situation to the SSA. Your doctor knows your case and understands your limitations based upon examination and observation.

In many cases, your doctor was the one to make the diagnosis and prescribe the treatment plan, so if there is any question about your ability to work this is where the SSA will turn to for answers.

Make sure you inform your doctor of your intent to apply for disability benefits as soon as possible, and if your claim has already been denied then make sure your doctor knows that the RFC form must be completed as quickly as possible given the 60-day appeal period.

Listing of Impairments - Adult Listings (Part A) (ssa.gov)

Listing of Impairments - Child Listings (Part B) (ssa.gov)

If your medical condition does not qualify you for Social Security Disability under the blue book definitions that does not mean you can not win your case. Most cases do not fall under the listing in the blue book. 

If you need helping applying for Social Security Disability or SSI, please contact me at joshben99@gmail.com. I have over 20 years experience with Social Security Disability cases. 

Location: Michigan, USA

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