Eric's blog

Due to the high volume of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications that cross the desk of the Social Security Administration (SSA), disability claimants often must wait a substantial amount of time for a decision on their claim.

Those who have already faced denials during the initial application and reconsideration process now await an appeals hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ). The good news is that the majority of disability claims are won at this level.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide, known as the Blue Book, to determine whether or not a condition is severe enough to warrant disability payments. The Blue Book is also often referred to as the Listing of Impairments.

Each condition in the Blue Book lists specific criteria and symptoms that you must have to be approved.

However, with thousands of variations of conditions, it is impossible to list them all in one place. Therefore, only the most common and severe impairments are listed in the Blue Book.

A good doctor is always necessary regardless of whether or not you apply for benefits. However, the Social Security system relies heavily on official medical evidence when determining disability. Without the help of a trusted physician, the application becomes extremely difficult.

Below are the top three reasons why working with a physician is necessary when applying for benefits.

Social Security disability benefits provide financial assistance for millions of Americans each year. In order to qualify, applicants must show that their disability is severe enough to prevent them from working or living independently.

Because of Social Security’s in-depth application process, it can be tricky to figure out how to qualify. Below, we will show you how you can measure your medical qualifications by comparing your diagnosis to the Blue Book.

How the Blue Book Works

Disability applicants qualify as disabled when they can show that their condition:

The Adult Disability Report form, which is also known as Form SSA 3368, is one of the first and most important forms of a disability claim. This report is the cornerstone of your disability application with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and provides Disability Determination Services (DDS) with what they need to review your claim and make a decision on your eligibility for benefits.