You may qualify for SSDI or SSI even if your disability isn’t common or isn’t listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. The SSA recognizes a wide range of hidden disabilities. Unfortunately, many valid conditions are overlooked in disability claims, leaving people without the benefits they need.
If you have a disabling condition that is commonly overlooked, you can submit a claim for SSDI or SSI and get the extra support you need. Mental health conditions and other health conditions that people don’t typically think of as disabling can qualify you for disability benefits.
Examples of Overlooked Conditions
Some disability conditions Social Security recognizes don’t always get the attention they deserve:
Mental health disorders: Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, and bipolar disorder can make it hard to work or manage daily life. Because mental illness is invisible, often people with mental illnesses think they can’t get SSDI or SSI. But the SSA recognizes more than 100 mental health conditions and does award disability benefits for mental health conditions.
Autoimmune conditions: Lupus, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome can cause extreme exhaustion, pain, and unpredictable flare-ups. These hidden disabilities often don’t show up on standard tests, which makes them harder to prove. But you can quality for SSDI or SSI with these conditions if you can prove your symptoms are disabling.
Neurological issues: Migraines, seizure disorders, and early-onset dementia are serious conditions that may disrupt concentration, memory, or physical safety. If you can show medical evidence that your neurological condition affects your ability to work you can be approved for SSDI or SSI.
Chronic pain syndromes: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and repetitive strain injuries cause ongoing pain that limits mobility and function. Even though the symptoms are disabling, it can be difficult to prove that they impact your ability to work. But with medical evidence and other supporting documentation you may qualify for SSDI or SSI because of a chronic pain condition.
Digestive disorders: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and even severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can force people to miss work frequently and deal with painful, unpredictable symptoms.
Even if the medical condition you have isn’t a common one, or isn’t listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, if you can show proof that your symptoms or condition makes it impossible for you to work you can apply for disability benefits.
Why These Conditions Get Overlooked
There are a few reasons why hidden disabilities SSDI applicants often face denials. Many of these illnesses have symptoms that come and go, so medical records may not capture their worst effects.
Some lack clear lab tests or imaging, making proof harder to establish. On top of that, mental health struggles and invisible illnesses carry stigma, causing both the public and decision-makers to underestimate their impact.
How to Strengthen Your Claim for These Conditions
If you’re applying for disability benefits due to a lesser-known condition or a condition that isn’t listed in the Blue Book, you need to have as much medical evidence as possible to prove your claim.
If you can show doctor’s notes, health records, prescription lists, and other documents that show you’ve been receiving consistent treatment for this condition you can make a good case for disability benefits. But it’s essential that you have medical records that back up your claim.
Next Steps to Take
Just because a condition is hidden or uncommon doesn’t mean it isn’t disabling. The SSA recognizes many overlooked disability conditions, and you deserve support if your health prevents you from working.
Working with a reliable doctor and a qualified Social Security disability attorney can help you navigate the application process and collect the medical documentation you need to get your claim approved.
