If you have an injury or medical condition that has persisted for long and has affected your work life and overall quality of life -- you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
To access workers' comp benefits, you must meet SSDI's definition of disability. How do you know if you have met this definition?
Well, that's where "The Blue Book" comes into play.
The Blue Book
The Blue Book is a list created by the Social Security Administration SSA, containing the medical conditions and injuries that qualify for SSDI benefits.
The listing is categorized by physical component, with different lists for adults and minors. That said, many guidelines apply to both groups except for impaired growth in children.
Here are the medical conditions that qualify adults for compensation.
Respiratory diseases, such as Cystic fibrosis and asthma
Speech and senses issues such as hearing and vision loss
Digestive tract illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and liver issues
Musculoskeletal diseases like back problems and other bones and joints illnesses
Cardiovascular problems such as coronary artery diseases and chronic heart failure
Immune system conditions like lupus, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, and rheumatoid arthritis
Blood conditions such as hemophilia and sickle cell disease
Neurological illnesses such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease
Mental disorders such as anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, intellectual disability, and autism
What Do You Do if Your Medical Condition Is Not in the Blue Book?
You have checked your condition against the impairment list, but it is not there? Does that mean you're not qualified for compensation? No! You may still qualify for compensation if certain conditions are fulfilled.
Firstly, your condition must be verified through a medical examination. In other words, it should be a subject of laboratory research and be supported by health records.
Secondly, the medical disorder must be severe, long-term, and limit your ability to work.
Once you get a medical examination, you have to submit your evaluation records to the Social Security Administration. There, a disability claim officer will evaluate your medical records, history, and residual functional capacity to determine whether you qualify for benefits.
When submitting your medical evaluation, make sure you also include the following: CAT scan, mental health records, physician examination, MRI, blood work panels, treatment notes, and X-rays. The evidence should be up to date and show the duration of your disability.
Also, the medical evidence should convince SSDI that your disability is severe enough to limit you from doing typical work-related tasks.
We are not trying to burst your bubble here, but having medical evidence doesn't mean you will automatically qualify for SSDI. Your claim may still be denied. What should you do if this happens?
What Happens When Your Insurance Does Not Approve You for Compensation?
If your claim is denied, you need to appeal your case and convince SSDI you are eligible.
Additionally, even after being approved, you may be required to provide updated medical reports to SSDI and your insurance company. With this, they will determine whether your condition has improved and whether you can go back to work.
Never File Your Disability Claims for SSDI Without an Attorney by Your Side
Before you file your claim, make sure you seek the help of a qualified attorney -- even if your condition qualifies you for benefits. Having a lawyer by your side will improve your chances of getting things right the first time. An attorney will also help you avoid mistakes that could lead to instant disqualification.
Your lawyer will also help you gather strong evidence and come up with ways to convince SSDI that your claim has merit. Also, they will guide you on how to handle the appeal process if your application does not go through the first time.
Hire the Best Attorney
When looking for an attorney, make every effort to hire an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced. The more familiar they are with all SSDI guidelines, the higher the chances of getting your claim approved.
Also, hire an attorney who has a proven record of resolving and winning SSDI-related cases like Attorney Matthew Kelly.
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