WHAT IS THE MOST APPROVED DISABILITY?

According to one survey, multiple sclerosis and any type of cancer have the highest rate of approval at the initial stages of a disability application, hovering between 64-68%. Respiratory disorders and joint disease are second highest, at between 40-47%.

Naturally, the more severe the condition is the more likely it will be approved. There are over 200 medical conditions which meet Social Security "Listings." These are approved automatically if the severity and symptoms conform to the published Listings.

What Social Security looks at primarily is whether a medical condition is so severe that it makes it impossible for the claimant to work. Many moderate or non-severe conditions allow an individual to continue working full-time and these are not considered disabling by Social Security.

There are no degrees of disability with Social Security; it is all or none. A person is either disabled or not disabled. The agency either finds that a claimant is able to work or that he/she is not able to work.

This is determined primarily by the medical record. If you are applying for disability, be certain that all of your medical records are submitted to Social Security.