SSA’s Listing of Impairments

The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments, also known as the Blue Book, which outlines medical conditions that are considered severe enough to qualify for disability. These listings apply across the U.S., including Missouri.

To qualify, your condition must either:

• Match a listed impairment exactly, or
• Be medically equivalent in severity to a listed condition.

Common Conditions That May Qualify

Here are some of the most frequently approved conditions that meet SSA guidelines:

Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Chronic back pain with nerve root compression
• Severe arthritis
• Joint dysfunction
• Amputations
• Degenerative disc disease

Mental Health Conditions

• Major depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Autism spectrum disorders
• PTSD
• Anxiety disorders

Neurological Disorders

• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Stroke-related impairments

Cardiovascular Conditions

• Congestive heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Arrhythmias
• Peripheral artery disease

Respiratory Disorders

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Cystic fibrosis

Immune System Disorders

• Lupus
• HIV/AIDS
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Scleroderma

Digestive Disorders

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Crohn’s disease
• Liver disease

Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)

• Breast, lung, or colon cancer
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Any cancer that is inoperable or has metastasized

What If Your Condition Isn’t Listed?

You can still qualify for disability benefits even if your condition isn’t explicitly listed. The SSA will assess:

• How your condition limits your ability to work
• Whether your condition is medically equivalent to a listed impairment
• Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), which measures what tasks you can still perform

Missouri Disability Determination Process

In Missouri, claims are reviewed by Disability Determinations Services (DDS). They evaluate your medical evidence, work history, and functional limitations. Strong medical documentation is key to proving your case.