SSA Disability Resources

Common Conditions and Social Security Disability

A diagnosis by itself does not qualify someone for Social Security disability. SSA looks at medical evidence, how long an impairment is expected to last, and how it limits work-related activities. These guides explain the disability rules for seven commonly searched conditions.

A diagnosis alone is not enough. SSA evaluates medical evidence, duration, work-related limits, and the full five-step process.

Common disability conditions

A diagnosis is only the starting point

To qualify under adult disability rules, a medically determinable impairment must prevent substantial gainful activity and have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 continuous months, or be expected to result in death. A condition that does not meet a Blue Book listing may still be evaluated through residual functional capacity (RFC) and the remaining steps of the disability process.

Listings are specific criteria, not diagnosis checklists

Each Blue Book listing has detailed medical requirements. A diagnosis or a test result alone does not establish that a listing is met. If the listing criteria are not met or medically equaled, SSA considers the combined evidence and what work-related activities remain possible.

Official SSA sources

Related resources

This guide explains Social Security’s disability evaluation; it is not medical advice or a treatment plan. Do not start, stop, or change treatment based on this page. A qualified clinician can answer medical-care questions, and SSA decides each claim from its full record.