Submitted by Deanna on
You have probably heard that being approved for Social Security disability benefits can be challenging. Documentation is the key to a successful claim. You must have hard medical evidence that shows you are unable to work and that you meet the medical criteria to be approved for benefits. There are a few medical conditions, however, that do qualify for expedited approval. Some conditions automatically qualify for disability benefits if you have a confirmed diagnosis. There are a few conditions that warrant such approvals.
The Compassionate Allowances List
Some very serious injuries or illnesses are on the Compassionate Allowances List, which means that Social Security only requires the proof of your diagnosis to approve you for benefits:
- Acute leukemia
- Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)
- Stage IV breast cancer
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
- Small cell lung cancer
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
A claim because of one of these conditions will get expedited attention, which means you might get a decision within a month of applying. That is the fastest or as close to automatic as you can expect with a Social Security disability claim. There are a few conditions that are on the Listing of Impairments Manual used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that will qualify for disability benefits if you can prove through medical records their existence or occurrence. Those conditions include:
- Kidney transplant
- Liver transplant
- Cochlear transplant
- Lung transplant
- Heart transplant
For those five automatic disabilities, the SSA will review the case at the end of a year, or three years for a lung transplant, to determine if the claimant is still considered disabled per the SSA guidelines.
The Importance of Medical Records
Even for these conditions that get automatic approval for disability benefits, the proper medical records are needed. Without hard medical evidence, any claim will be denied. You must provide Disability Determination Services will all your medical records to show evidence of your diagnosis along with the necessary supporting information. If your physician left out important supporting details, your claim could be denied although your condition is classified as medically eligible for disability benefits. Your denial notice will explain why your claim was denied, and you can then appeal and provide the additional details needed to support your claim.
The Financial Standpoint
Even if you have a condition that will automatically qualify for disability benefits, the SSA will consider the financial situation. If you are working enough to exceed the limits for substantial gainful activity (SGA), your claim will be denied. Often, claimants continue working part-time to cover some basic living expenses. If their income exceeds the SGA, their claim will be denied because the SSA believes the individual can continue working and earn a sufficient living.
Consult With a Disability Attorney
If you are unable to work because of a medical condition, you should consult with a Social Security disability attorney. Your odds of approval increase significantly with the help of an attorney. Get your free case evaluation today.
