1. Your Condition Must Be Severe and Long-Lasting

The SSA only approves claims for individuals whose medical condition:

• Significantly limits their ability to perform basic work-related activities (such as sitting, walking, remembering, or concentrating)
• Has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 continuous months or result in death

Minor or short-term injuries and illnesses typically do not meet this requirement.

2. Your Condition Should Match or Equal a Listing

The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments—often called the “Blue Book.” This list includes medical conditions that are considered severe enough to qualify for disability automatically if specific criteria are met.

Examples include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., severe back injuries, joint dysfunction)
• Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., chronic heart failure)
• Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis)
• Mental disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD)
• Cancer and immune system disorders

Even if your condition is not on the list, you may still qualify if it is medically equivalent in severity to a listed condition.

3. You Must Provide Objective Medical Evidence

You must submit detailed, verifiable medical evidence from licensed healthcare providers. This includes:

• Medical records
• Physician notes
• Test results (MRI, blood work, X-rays, etc.)
• Hospitalization records
• Documentation of treatments and medications

The more thorough your documentation, the stronger your case.

4. Functional Limitations Must Prevent You From Working

Beyond just a diagnosis, the SSA looks at how your condition affects your ability to function at work. You will need to demonstrate that:

• You cannot return to your past work
• You are unable to adjust to other types of work due to your age, education, and job experience

This analysis is part of the SSA’s five-step disability determination process.

5. You Must Follow Prescribed Treatment

If you are not following your doctor’s recommended treatment plan—such as physical therapy, medication, or surgery—the SSA may deny your claim, assuming your condition could improve with proper care (unless you have a valid reason for not following the plan).