How to Use the Social Security Blue Book Listings for Your Disability Claim
Are you wondering how to use the listings that the Social Security Administration includes in their Blue Book of listings?
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better.
Here’s a brief summary on how to use the Blue Book listings to match up to a medical condition in a Social Security disability case.
1. Locate the Relevant Body System
Find the section in the Blue Book that corresponds to your affected body system—whether that’s musculoskeletal, respiratory, or another system.
Within that section, look for the listing that most closely matches your medical condition.
2. Review the Medical Criteria
Carefully review the medical criteria required to meet the listing. Then work to collect:
- Medical records
- Test results
- Doctor’s notes
These should clearly demonstrate how your condition meets those listing criteria.
3. Consider the Severity of Your Condition
When reviewing your medical records, consider whether the severity of your condition is enough to meet or potentially equal the listing’s criteria.
You may also want to ask your treating physician to review the relevant listing and provide a professional opinion on how your condition compares to those requirements.
4. Explore Related Listings or Functional Limitations
If your condition doesn’t perfectly match up with that listing, check to see if it might meet criteria in a related listing.
Even if you don’t meet a listing exactly, record how your condition limits your ability to:
- Work
- Perform daily activities
5. Remember: The Listings Are Just One Path to Approval
Meeting or equaling a listing is just one way to qualify for disability benefits. If you don’t match a listing, you may still be eligible based on your overall functional limitations and inability to work.
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