SSA’s Definition of Disability

To qualify for SSDI, the SSA requires that your medical condition:

• Is medically determinable and diagnosed by a licensed healthcare provider
• Has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death
• Prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA), including past work or any other type of work

In 2025, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550/month ($2,590/month for blind individuals).

The SSA’s Listing of Impairments (Blue Book)

The SSA uses a guide known as the Listing of Impairments—also called the “Blue Book”—to determine if your condition qualifies as automatically disabling. This list includes very specific medical criteria for various conditions such as:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., back injuries, joint problems)
• Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke)
• Mental disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder)
• Respiratory disorders (e.g., asthma, COPD)
• Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart failure, coronary artery disease)
• Immune system disorders (e.g., lupus, HIV, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Cancers with specific progression or treatment criteria

Even if your exact diagnosis isn’t listed, you may still qualify if your symptoms and limitations are medically equivalent to a listed impairment.

What Medical Evidence Do You Need?

Strong medical documentation is key to meeting the SSA’s requirements in Arizona. You should include:

• Diagnosis and Treatment History: Clear records from a doctor confirming your condition
• Treatment Plans and Results: Details of your medications, therapies, surgeries, and how you’ve responded
• Imaging and Test Results: Lab work, MRIs, X-rays, or other objective medical tests that support your diagnosis
• Doctor’s Opinion: A written statement from your doctor explaining how your condition limits your ability to work is extremely helpful
• Specialist Reports: If you’ve seen specialists (e.g., neurologists, psychiatrists), their evaluations can strengthen your claim

Consistency and credibility in your records are vital. The SSA wants to see regular treatment and follow-up, not just a one-time diagnosis.

What If You Don’t Meet a Listed Impairment?

If your condition doesn’t meet the criteria of a listed impairment, you may still qualify by showing the SSA that:

• Your condition prevents you from doing your past work
• You cannot adjust to any other kind of work
• Your age, education, and work experience make it unlikely you could do something else

This is assessed through the SSA’s five-step sequential evaluation process, which includes reviewing your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)—an evaluation of what you can still do despite your condition.