WHAT QUALIFIES FOR DISABILITY IN ALABAMA?

What medical or mental conditions qualify for Social Security disability in Alabama? It's a question we get a lot.

The answer is: There are hundreds of medical and/or mental impairments that may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

The most common conditions that get approved are musculoskeletal problems (back or other spinal disorders), cardiovascular disease, and cancer. However, hundreds of other impairments will also potentially qualify.

Unless an individual has a catastrophic or terminal condition, merely having the condition does not automatically qualify for a benefit.

The 3 factors that matter most with any condition are:

1. What is the severity of the condition?

2. How long has the severe condition lasted or is expected to last?

3. How does the condition effect the ability to perform work activities, such as standing, walking, sitting, bending, lifting/carrying, understanding, remembering and making decisions, etc.?

Generally, if a severe condition substantially and consistently prohibits the ability to perform basic work activity over an 8 hour day--it can be disabling.

Who do you talk to in order to get solid information about whether to file for disability or not? The best source of information is probably an experienced Social Security disability lawyer or disability advocate. These professionals know the rules and they know what Social Security requires to get awarded a benefit. They can analyze your situation to determine if you have a strong case. We recommend you speak to a legal professional who handles SSDI claims. The conversation is free and you may get a lot of insight about your claim early on in the process.

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Charles W. Forsythe is founder of The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, AL. (256) 799-0297.