SSA’s Listing of Impairments (Blue Book Conditions)

The SSA’s Blue Book is a medical guide that outlines conditions that can automatically qualify for disability—if your case meets certain requirements. These conditions include:

• Musculoskeletal Disorders:
  Back injuries, spinal disorders, joint dysfunction, fractures that don't heal, and chronic pain syndromes.
• Cardiovascular Conditions:
  Heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and peripheral arterial disease.
• Neurological Disorders:
  Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, and stroke complications.
• Respiratory Conditions:
  COPD, chronic asthma, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis.
• Mental Disorders:
  Depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual disabilities.
• Immune System Disorders:
  Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases):
  Depending on type, severity, and whether it’s spread. Includes breast, lung, liver, colon, and pancreatic cancers, among others.
• Endocrine Disorders:
  Diabetes complications, thyroid disorders, and adrenal gland disorders.

These conditions—and others—may qualify if they significantly limit your ability to work and are well-documented medically.

What If Your Condition Isn’t Listed?

Even if your condition isn't found in the SSA’s Blue Book, you can still qualify. You must show that:

• Your condition is medically equivalent in severity to a listed condition
• You can’t perform your previous work or any other work based on your age, education, and skills
• You’ve been (or will be) disabled for at least 12 continuous months

Common non-listed conditions that may qualify include:

• Chronic migraines
• Fibromyalgia
• Long COVID symptoms
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Medical Evidence Is Key

No matter what condition you have, the SSA requires extensive medical documentation to prove that it prevents you from working. Be sure to:

• See your doctors regularly and follow treatment plans
• Gather records from all healthcare providers and specialists
• Obtain a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) if possible
• Ask your physician to write a detailed statement describing how your condition limits your ability to perform daily and work-related activities

Mississippi-Specific Considerations

The SSA's rules apply nationwide, but Mississippi residents may experience different wait times or local processes when applying for disability. The Mississippi Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews claims after initial submission.

Getting help from a disability advocate or legal professional can improve your odds—especially if your case is borderline or involves multiple impairments.