Categories of Qualifying Impairments

The SSA divides impairments into various categories. If your condition falls under one of these and meets the required severity level, you may qualify for benefits:

• Musculoskeletal Disorders
  (e.g., chronic back pain, joint dysfunction, spinal disorders)
• Neurological Disorders
  (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy)
• Mental Disorders
  (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, autism)
• Respiratory Disorders
  (e.g., COPD, chronic asthma, cystic fibrosis)
• Cardiovascular Disorders
  (e.g., heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias)
• Immune System Disorders
  (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS)
• Digestive Disorders
  (e.g., Crohn’s disease, chronic liver disease)
• Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
  (e.g., breast cancer, leukemia, lung cancer)
• Endocrine Disorders
  (e.g., diabetes mellitus with complications, thyroid disorders)
• Genitourinary and Kidney Disorders
  (e.g., chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis)

Even if your condition isn't listed, you can still qualify if it’s equally severe to a listed condition.

Functional Limitations and Disability Approval

Even if your impairment isn’t in the SSA’s listings, you may still be approved if:

• Your condition prevents you from doing your past work
• You can’t adjust to other work based on your age, education, or experience
• The condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death

Arizona Disability Determination Process

In Arizona, applications are reviewed by Disability Determination Services (DDS), which evaluates both your medical evidence and how your condition limits your ability to perform daily activities and work.

• Strong medical records and physician statements are key
• Functional limitations are often more important than the diagnosis itself
• If needed, DDS may schedule a consultative exam to assess your condition