If you have applied to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for disability benefits, you will likely need to be evaluated by Disability Determination Services (DDS) to decide if you qualify as disabled. As part of this process, you will find your examiner consulting the so-called “Blue Book.” But what exactly is the SSA’s Blue Book, and why might it matter to you?
What is the Blue Book?
The “Blue Book” is the informal name for the SSA’s list of recognized medical and psychological disabilities. This listing includes a set of symptoms and criteria intended to be used to diagnose any specific issues a disability applicant might have, in accordance with the most up-to-date scientific standards. While not every disability applicant’s condition will be in the Book, most will be, at least in theory.
Why is the Blue Book Important?
Whenever someone applies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), they will be examined by someone from DDS. When the examiner performs their examination, they use the criteria from the Blue Book to make their assessment. They compare your symptoms to any recognized conditions, and from that determine if you fit the criteria for a known disability.
Can You Get Benefits if Your Condition Does Not Exist in the Blue Book?
Medical science is constantly evolving, which sadly means that not every medical condition is yet known or understood. The DDS process recognizes this, and so it is possible to get disability benefits even if your symptoms do not match a recognized condition in the Blue Book. However, if your symptoms do match a known medical or psychological disability, it can make it much easier to seek benefits.
What Should You Do if You Need to Apply For Disability Benefits?
To maximize your chances of success in a disability application, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling disability law matters. They can help you fill out your application to ensure it is complete and accurate, and advocate on your behalf if your application is denied. That way, you have the best chance possible of success in getting SSDI or SSI benefits.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
