What is the Social Security Blue Book?
The social security “Blue Book” is a document utilized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine if a disability is eligible to receive benefits. It is broken into two parts: Adult Listings (Part A) and Childhood Listings (Part B). It also contains a general guide of the process for applying for Social Security Disability benefits which can be a useful reference as it is created by the institution that will make the decision on if you qualify or not.
Who is the Blue Book for?
While the Blue Book can give those who are applying for social security benefits a quick way to check to see if their condition allows them to qualify for benefits, the main function of the Blue Book is to inform healthcare providers on the “evidence” they will need to collect in order to best support the case for an individual to be approved for disability benefits. For this reason, the Blue Book contains a lot of technical medical language that may be confusing or daunting to the average reader. If you are looking it over and seem confused, don’t worry – this book is meant to be interpreted by a healthcare provider or caregiver.
Aside from your doctor, one of the best tools that you can have by your side when attempting to interpret the Blue Book is an experienced social security disability (SSD) lawyer. SSD lawyers are professionally trained to handle social security claims, and furthermore, they have the experience necessary to know what the SSA is looking for specifically. That’s why it’s so important to find a disability lawyer early in the application process so that you don’t hamper your chances of receiving benefits with an incomplete application.
What are the categories of the Blue Book?
The Blue Book is categorized into medical groupings that list the different types of recognized disabilities that may be eligible to receive benefits. It is broken up into two parts: Adult Listings (Part A) and Childhood Listings (Part B). While the Blue Book goes into a lot more descriptions on each category, below is a short summary of the medical conditions that are found within the contents. Keep in mind, each of these groups is merely a category and there are a large number of conditions listed within each:
Listing of Impairments - Adult Listings
- Section 1.00 Musculoskeletal System
- Section 2.00 Special Sense and Speech
- Section 3.00 Respiratory Disorders
- Section 4.00 Cardiovascular System
- Section 5.00 Digestive System
- Section 6.00 Genitourinary Disorders
- Section 7.00 Hematological Disorders
- Section 8.00 Skin Disorders
- Section 9.00 Endocrine Disorders
- Section 10.00 Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems
- Section 11.00 Neurological Disorders
- Section 12.00 Mental Disorders
- Section 13.00 Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Disease)
- Section 14.00 Immune System Disorders
Listing of Impairments - Childhood Listings
- Section 100.00 Low Birth Weight and Failure to Thrive
- Section 101.00 Musculoskeletal System
- Section 102.00 Special Senses and Speech
- Section 103.00 Respiratory Disorders
- Section 104.00 Cardiovascular System
- Section 105.00 Digestive System
- Section 106.00 Genitourinary Disorders
- Section 107.00 Hematological Disorders
- Section 108.00 Skin Disorders
- Section 109.00 Endocrine Disorders
- Section 110.00 Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems
- Section 111.00 Neurological Disorders
- Section 112.00 Mental Disorders
- Section 113.00 Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
- Section 114.00 Immune System Disorders
SocialSecurityDisabilty.com can help
You may find the terminology of the Blue Book intimidating – and that’s OK. It’s important to speak with a qualified expert to help you understand the technical terms and qualifications before proceeding with your application for benefits. Fill out the form on this page to be contacted by a local Disability attorney that can discuss the specifics of your case, answer the questions you may have, and help you navigate the SSD application process.