Before getting into specifics about which medical conditions qualify for long term disability benefits, understand that a long-term disability is generally one that lasts longer than 12 months or which will prove fatal. The condition can be genetic, illness-related, or caused by an injury, but it must limit the person’s ability to work for a living or to care for themselves.

Second, Ohio residents who suffer from health conditions that qualify for long-term disability benefits can receive those benefits from Social Security, private insurance, or a pension plan like the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System. Short-term disabilities are best covered by insurance and, when appropriate, workers’ compensation. Consulting with a Cleveland disability attorney will help a disabled person or the disabled person’s family determine which programs can best offer financial assistance.

What Conditions Automatically Qualify You for Disability?

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program has the most-publicly accessible information on how it qualifies applicants to receive long-term disability benefits. Regarding which medical conditions count as long-term disabilities, SSDI maintains a frequently updated online list that is divided into the following categories:

  • Musculoskeletal system
  • Special senses and speech
  • Respiratory disorders
  • Cardiovascular system
  • Digestive system
  • Genitourinary disorders
  • Hematological disorders
  • Skin disorders
  • Endocrine disorders
  • Congenital Disorders that affect multiple body systems
  • Neurological disorders
  • Mental disorders
  • Cancer
  • Immune system disorders
  • Low birthweight and failure to thrive (newborn to 36 months)

In addition to a diagnosis, SSDI considers the results of functional assessments when deciding whether a health condition qualifies as a long-term disability. For adults, the program looks at a benefits applicant’s abilities to:

  • See, hear and speak
  • Perform work activities such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, stooping and crouching
  • Perform mental tasks like understanding and remembering new information, concentrating on and completing tasks, following instructions and responding appropriately to supervision, co-workers and stress
  • Adapt to changes in environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations and the presence of fumes

The severity of a child’s disability is assessed by the individual’s ability to do things like learn, complete tasks, interact with other people, move and manipulate objects as well as communicate. What Medical Conditions Qualify for Long Term Disability in Ohio?

Retirement plans and insurance companies will apply criteria in different ways, but all long-term disability programs require applicants to provide extensive medical evidence, undergo independent assessments, and supply other forms of proof of disability. Working with a dedicated and caring disability attorney in Cleveland, Ohio, will help an applicant or caregiver gather, organize, and submit all the requested evidence.

Contact us to Qualify for Long Term Disability in Medical Conditions

If you need advice on or assistance with an application for long-term disability benefits, consider contacting Agee Clymer Mitchell & Portman. Our disability lawyers can help will all aspects of the application process and represent clients through each stage of appealing a denial of benefits. Set up a free consultation by completing this form or calling (800) 678-3318.