Three Common Disorders That Qualify for SSDI in Georgia

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is one of the largest federal programs offering financial assistance to people with disorders that qualify SSDI and prevent them from working. It is managed by the Social Security Administration and funded through payroll taxes as part of the federal insurance system.

As of February 2023, more than 63 million Americans receive monthly Social Security benefits.

The majority (about 78%) go to retirees. Another 13.2% go to disabled workers, and 8.8% to survivors of deceased workers.

Among the 8.7 million disabled workers and their family members who receive SSDI, the average monthly benefit is $1,340.70.

Are you wondering if you can collect Social Security Disability Insurance? Disorders that qualify for SSDI in Georgia run the gamut from cancer to loss of vision.

But, for this article, we will only tackle the three most common disorders. If these circumstances apply to you or a loved one, you may need help pursuing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

John Edmonson of The Edmonson Law Firm is an experienced SSDI attorney in Buford, GA. Our legal team stand at the ready to serve you and answer any questions you may have.

Musculoskeletal System Disorders That Qualify for SSDI

Defined by the Social Security Administration as “disorders of the skeletal spine (vertebral column) or of the upper or lower extremities that affect musculoskeletal functioning.”

This may involve the bony structures, ligaments, and discs of the spine, as well as bones, major joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, or other soft tissues. 

To evaluate your condition, the SSA requires:

• Objective medical evidence from a qualified medical professional confirming that you have a medically determinable musculoskeletal disorder.

• Information from medical and nonmedical sources describing how your condition impacts your ability to function in daily life.

• Results from a physical examination, imaging, or other diagnostic tests.

• Surgical reports and details on your responses to treatment.

• A list of assistive devices you use, such as a wheelchair, walker, or prosthetic device.

They will take all of this information and more into account when determining whether or not you have a disorder that makes you qualify for SSDI benefits and how much you are due each month. 

Our SSDI experts here at Georgia’s Hometown Law Firm can help you prepare a solid case that proves your disorders before anything is submitted to the SSA. 

If you’ve been denied, we can assist you in reapplying.

Mental Disorders That Qualify for SSDI

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 1 in 5 adults live with mental illness.

The Social Security Administration outlines mental disorders that could qualify for SSDI, if they are “serious and persistent” in 11 categories that include:

• Neurocognitive disorders

• Schizophrenia Spectrum and other psychotic disorders

• Depressive, Bipolar and related disorders

• Intellectual disorder

• Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive disorders

• Somatic Symptom and related disorders

• Personality and Impulse-Control disorders

• Autism Spectrum disorder

• Neurodevelopmental disorders

• Eating disorders

• Trauma and Stressor-related disorders

Evidence required to evaluate your mental disorder includes:

• Objective medical evidence from an acceptable medical source that confirms you have a medically determinable mental disorder and explains its severity.

• Relevant medical records from your physician, psychologist, or other healthcare providers, including details about your symptoms, medical history, psychological testing, medications, and treatments.

• Evidence of daily functioning, provided by you and those who know you, describing how your mental disorder impacts your everyday life.

• Additional records from school, vocational training, work, or work-related programs that highlight the challenges caused by your condition.

In other words, the Social Security Administration requires a comprehensive understanding of your mental health.

This includes medical evidence, insights into your daily life, and documentation from educational or professional environments to determine your eligibility for benefits.

This is another area where SSDI attorney John Edmonson can be of great assistance in helping you assemble the evidence needed and advocate on your behalf.

Neurological Disorders That Qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance

The Social Security Administration defines disorders under the Neurological category as:

• Epilepsy

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

• Parkinson’s Syndrome

• Coma

• Persistent Vegetative State (PVS)

Neurological disorders can also qualify for SSDI in Georgia. These may cause disorganized motor function, bulbar or neuromuscular dysfunction, or difficulties with communication. 

In some cases, they involve both physical and mental limitations. Examples include early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and Huntington’s disease.

To support the diagnosis and severity of your neurological disorder, the SSA requires both medical and non-medical evidence.

This includes signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings that demonstrate how your disorder affects your daily life.

Additionally, there must be clear proof that limitations from your neurological disorder persist, even when you follow prescribed treatments.

Remaining List of Disorders That Qualify for SSDI

Additional disability categories that could qualify you to receive Social Security Disability Insurance in Georgia include:

• Special Senses and Speech Disorders

• Respiratory Disorders

• Cardiovascular System Disorders

• Digestive System Disorders

• Genitourinary Disorders

• Hematological Disorders

• Skin Disorders

• Endocrine Disorders

• Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple

  Body Systems

• Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)

• Immune System Disorders

To learn what falls under each category and the evidence required to apply for SSDI under each, visit the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments page.

With the right information and support system, you can get the help you need. Georgia's Hometown Law Firm is committed to standing by your side as you navigate your SSDI claim.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance—we are here to assist you in your journey toward mental health stability and financial security.

For legal assistance with your SSDI claim, call The Edmonson Law Firm at (678) 271-9111, book a FREE CONSULTATION online, or fill out our hassle-free SSDI questionnaire.

Disclaimer: Please remember that this post offers a general overview and should not be considered as legal advice. Always consult with an experienced attorney for legal guidance.