
The Compassionate Allowances List (CAL)
The SSA maintains a list of over 200 conditions that will almost always meet the necessary qualifications for obtaining SSDI. If you have one of these conditions, your claim will likely be automatically approved without having to go through multiple review processes. The CAL was initiated in an attempt to reduce wait times for a disability decision. You can find the list of over 200 conditions on the Social Security Administration web page for the Compassionate Allowances List (CAL).
The Social Security Administration Blue Book Listings
In addition to the Compassionate Allowances List, the SSA’s Blue Book also lists impairments and disabilities that can qualify you for SSDI if medical evidence illustrates that your condition meets specific severity criteria. This does not mean you will automatically qualify, but if you have one of the conditions listed, at a severity that prevents substantial gainful activity, you will most likely be found disabled. These categories in the Blue Book include:
- Musculoskeletal (e.g., severe spinal disorders, amputations)
- Cardiovascular (e.g., chronic heart failure)
- Respiratory (e.g., COPD with very low lung function)
- Immune system disorders (e.g., HIV/AIDS, lupus, multiple sclerosis)
This Is Not an Exhaustive List, As There Are Medical Vocational Allowances
If your condition is not found on these lists, you still may qualify for SSDI. If your physical or mental limitations prevent you from working, and you cannot adjust to other work considering your age, education, and work history, you still can qualify for SSDI.
If You’ve Been Denied, We Can Help
If your condition is not in the Compassionate Allowances List or the Blue Book, you can still qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. If you meet the eligibility requirements for SSDI and have applied for benefits, but have been denied, we can help. Our diligent legal team has spent over three decades ensuring that individuals who are unable to work due to a long-term disability have the ability to appeal their denied decisions to receive the benefits they deserve. If you need to appeal your decision, reach out to our team using the buttons below.