The SSA Listing of Impairments (Blue Book)

The SSA uses a medical guide called the Listing of Impairments, also known as the “Blue Book,” to determine whether a condition is considered disabling. If your condition is included in this list and meets the specific criteria, you may automatically qualify for SSDI benefits.

Some of the main categories of conditions listed include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders – such as severe back injuries, spinal disorders, joint dysfunction, and amputations.
• Respiratory illnesses – including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
• Cardiovascular conditions – like heart failure, coronary artery disease, or recurrent arrhythmias.
• Neurological disorders – such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injuries, or stroke aftereffects.
• Mental health conditions – including depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Immune system disorders – like HIV/AIDS, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Cancer – certain types of aggressive or advanced cancers may qualify.
• Chronic illnesses – such as kidney failure requiring dialysis, liver disease, or diabetes with severe complications.

Conditions Not Listed but Still Qualifying

Even if your medical condition is not specifically listed in the Blue Book, you may still qualify for SSDI in Kansas if you can show that your condition is equally severe and prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

For example:

• Chronic pain disorders not directly listed.
• Combination of multiple conditions that together make it impossible to work.
• Long-term side effects of medical treatments.

The key is providing strong medical evidence to prove how your condition affects your daily life and ability to maintain employment.

The Importance of Medical Evidence in Kansas

The SSA does not approve claims based only on diagnosis — you must also demonstrate how your condition limits your ability to work. This means:

• Submitting detailed medical records from doctors, hospitals, and specialists.
• Including test results, imaging scans, and lab reports that confirm the severity of your condition.
• Providing doctor’s opinions that explain your physical or mental limitations.
• Showing a consistent treatment history that documents your efforts to manage your condition.

Without thorough evidence, even a listed condition may not be approved.