Applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits can feel overwhelming. The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows strict rules when deciding if someone qualifies as “disabled,” and one of the main tools they use is the Listing of Impairments—better known as the SSA Blue Book.
Here’s what the Blue Book is, why it matters for your disability claim, and how you may still qualify even if your condition isn’t listed.
What Is the SSA Blue Book?
The SSA Blue Book is a medical guide that lists conditions that SSA considers disabling. If your condition meets all the criteria listed in the Blue Book, your claim has a strong chance of approval.
The Blue Book is divided into two parts:
- Part A: Adults (18 and older)
- Part B: Children (under 18)
Within each section, conditions are grouped by body systems, including:
- Musculoskeletal (severe back or joint problems)
- Respiratory (asthma, COPD, lung cancer)
- Cardiovascular (chronic heart disease, arrhythmias)
- Neurological (epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, ALS)
- Mental health (depression, bipolar disorder, autism)
- Cancer and immune system disorders
Each listing includes detailed medical criteria—such as test results, imaging, or lab findings—that prove someone meets the SSA’s definition of “disabled.”
Can You Qualify for SSDI If Your Condition Isn’t in the Blue Book?
Not being listed in the Blue Book doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Many people win disability benefits even when their exact diagnosis isn’t listed.
You may still qualify if:
- Your condition is medically equivalent to a listed impairment
- You have multiple health issues that, together, limit your ability to work
- Your medical records and your doctors’ opinions show your condition limits your daily activities and prevents you from sustaining regular employment
Ultimately, the SSA looks at all the medical evidence, including, test results, doctors’ notes, and how your condition impacts your daily life and work capacity.
Why Having an Attorney Helps
The SSD process is complex, and most SSDI and SSI applications are denied at the initial stage. At MCV Law, our social security disability attorneys know how the SSA reviews claims and how to connect your medical evidence to the Blue Book criteria, even if your condition doesn’t neatly fit into a listing.
At MCV Law, our disability attorneys help our clients:
- File Initial applications
- Gather strong medical evidence to support your claim
- Represent you in hearings and appeals
Our goal is simple: to give you the best chance of getting the benefits you deserve.
Next Step
If you can’t work because of an injury or medical condition, you don’t have to figure out the Blue Book and SSA’s complex rules on your own. Contact MCV Law ’s Social Security Disability attorneys today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, review your claim, explain your options, and help you fight for your benefits.