SSA’s Listing of Impairments (Blue Book)

SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments, also known as the Blue Book, which outlines medical conditions that automatically qualify if their criteria are met. Eligible disability categories include:

1. Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Severe back problems (herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis)
• Joint dysfunction (advanced arthritis, hip/knee replacements with limitations)
• Amputations that significantly limit mobility
• Fractures with long-term complications

2. Neurological Disorders

• Epilepsy with frequent uncontrolled seizures
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Stroke with lasting impairments
• Peripheral neuropathy

3. Cardiovascular Disorders

• Chronic heart failure
• Coronary artery disease requiring bypass or stents
• Peripheral artery disease with severe walking limitations
• Recurrent arrhythmias affecting daily activities

4. Respiratory Disorders

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Severe asthma requiring frequent hospitalization
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Cystic fibrosis

5. Mental Disorders

• Major depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
• Severe anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Intellectual disabilities

6. Cancer

• Certain aggressive cancers qualify under Compassionate Allowances for expedited approval
• Cancers with metastasis or recurring despite treatment

7. Digestive System Disorders

• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Chronic liver disease (cirrhosis, liver failure)
• Short bowel syndrome

8. Endocrine Disorders

• Diabetes with severe complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, organ damage)
• Thyroid disorders with disabling effects

9. Genitourinary Disorders

• Chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis or transplant

10. Immune System Disorders

• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• HIV/AIDS with severe functional limitations

Conditions Not Listed May Still Qualify

If your disability is not specifically listed, you can still qualify if:

• It is medically equivalent in severity to a listed condition
• It prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) despite treatment

Key Eligibility Factors SSA Considers

• Severity: Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities
• Functional limitations: SSA evaluates how your disability impacts your daily life and work capacity
• Medical evidence: Strong doctor statements, treatment records, diagnostic test results, and hospitalization history are essential