Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a hectic, worrisome process. Many times, applicants are distressed because the decision of qualification seems to be subjective; what applicants may not know, however, is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a manual known as the Blue Book that it uses to determine whether an applicants disability qualifies them for benefits.

In actuality, the Blue Book is not a book at all, but a guide called Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, and within it are the official impairment listings for both adults and children seeking SSDI. It contains information for healthcare professionals on the various disability conditions recognized by the SSA with explanations of the disability programs administered by the agency.

Every aspect of eligibility is outlined within the Blue Book, which is broken down into sections for adults, children, a section with general information, listings of evidentiary requirements, and impairments recognized by the SSA.  Approvals and denials of SSDI are based on different requirements for adults and children; for instance, adult applicants will be subject to additional considerations of work history, the severity of their condition(s), employment skills and education.

In addition to an exhaustive list of qualifying conditions, the Blue Book offers answers to some common SSDI questions in its general information section. One of the factors the SSA uses to determine eligibility is whether a condition is medically determinable.

The agency defines medically determinable physical or mental impairments as impairments that result from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities which can be shown by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques. A physical or mental impairment must be established by medical evidence consisting of signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings, not only by the individual’s statement of symptoms.

The Blue Book also describes the determination procedures it uses to approve or deny claims. Local Social Security field offices and state agencies are the point of initiation for most claims, with subsequent appeals then handled by disability determination services (DDS).

Because the process can be lengthy and complicated, consulting an SSDI attorney can ensure your claim is managed effectively and with great care. Goldberg Finnegan offers FREE consultations to those who wish to file or appeal and SSDI claim.

If you need help with your claim, contact the Social Security Disability lawyers at Goldberg Finnegan today, and take the first step in getting the benefits you deserve.