1. SSA's Listing of Impairments (The Blue Book)

The SSA maintains a guide called the Listing of Impairments, often referred to as the Blue Book. This contains specific medical conditions that are considered severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity. If your condition meets or equals a listed impairment, you may automatically qualify for SSDI.

Common qualifying conditions include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders: such as back injuries, joint problems, and spinal disorders
• Neurological conditions: including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury
• Mental disorders: such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia
• Cardiovascular diseases: like chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, or arrhythmias
• Respiratory illnesses: including COPD, asthma, and cystic fibrosis
• Cancer: especially aggressive or late-stage cancers like breast, lung, or pancreatic cancer
• Autoimmune diseases: such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or HIV/AIDS
• Kidney and liver diseases: including end-stage renal disease or liver failure

Even if your condition is not listed, you may still qualify if it's severe and long-lasting.

2. Your Condition Must Prevent You from Working

To qualify for SSDI in Pennsylvania, your condition must:

• Be medically determinable (supported by clinical evidence)
• Prevent you from performing your past work
• Prevent you from doing any other type of work
• Be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death

It’s not just the diagnosis that matters, but how it limits your physical and/or mental functioning.

3. Medical Documentation is Critical

To prove that your condition qualifies, you’ll need strong evidence such as:

• Official diagnosis from a qualified medical provider
• Results from lab tests, imaging (like MRIs or CT scans), and other diagnostics
• Doctor’s notes detailing symptoms, limitations, and treatment history
• Statements about how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work

Without comprehensive medical records, even a serious condition may not be approved.

4. Some Conditions May Qualify for Fast-Track Approval

The SSA has a Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program for certain serious illnesses. If your diagnosis is on this list (e.g., ALS, certain cancers, or rare genetic disorders), your application may be expedited.