Ohio SSDI Lawyer

Types of Disabilities That Qualify for SSDI

According to 20 CFR § 404.1505, a disability means the inability to engage in “substantial gainful activity” due to a medical impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Some common disabilities that qualify include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders: Conditions like severe back injuries, arthritis, and spinal disorders fall into this category. They can limit your ability to sit, stand, walk, or lift objects—basic functions in almost any job.
• Neurological disorders: These include epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injuries. If they interfere with your motor functions, memory, or coordination, they could be disabling under SSA rules.
• Mental health conditions: Disorders such as severe depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or PTSD are legitimate grounds for disability benefits if they prevent you from maintaining gainful employment.
• Respiratory illnesses: COPD, asthma (when severe), and pulmonary fibrosis are just a few of the conditions that can make breathing so difficult that working becomes impossible.
• Cancer and immune system disorders: Certain cancers (especially those that are aggressive or untreatable) and diseases like lupus or HIV/AIDS can qualify if they severely limit day-to-day functioning.

Work Credits: Earning Your Way Into the System

Qualifying for SSDI doesn’t just depend on being disabled. You need a work history that’s paid into Social Security. This is where work credits come in. As of this article’s publication, for every $1,730 you earn, you get one credit. You can earn up to four credits per year. Most people need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years, to qualify. But if you’re younger, fewer credits may be required.

SSA’s Listings and the Blue Book

The SSA uses its Listing of Impairments, commonly called the Blue Book, to determine if a condition is automatically considered disabling. If your condition matches one of these listings, it could fast-track your approval. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to prove that your condition limits your ability to work just as much as one that is listed.

Relevant Legal Concepts and Statutes in Ohio SSDI Cases

• Social Security Act of 1935, specifically Title II, which governs SSDI benefits.
• 20 CFR Part 404, detailing how the SSA evaluates disability claims.
• Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 5101:6, which outlines rules for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) hearings when people appeal public assistance decisions, including disability determinations.
• Social Security Disability Appeals Process
  • Initial application denial leads to Reconsideration.
  • If denied again, claimants can request a Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) under 20 CFR § 404.929.
  • The ALJ hearing usually happens at an Office of Hearing Operations (OHO) in Ohio, such as the Columbus or Cincinnati locations.
  • Further appeals move to the Appeals Council and finally federal court if necessary.

What an Ohio SSDI Lawyer Will Do for You

A local lawyer understands how Ohio-specific issues can impact SSDI claims. Some counties have longer wait times. Certain judges at Ohio’s Office of Hearing Operations have approval rates that differ wildly. A lawyer familiar with these quirks knows how to build a case that anticipates these hurdles.

They will:

• Collect and organize your medical evidence to meet SSA’s strict requirements.
• Communicate with doctors to ensure records clearly explain how your disability limits your ability to work.
• Represent you at hearings, knowing how specific ALJs in Ohio rule on certain issues.
• Prepare you for questions that judges typically ask in Ohio hearings.
• Keep track of deadlines so appeals don’t get tossed out on a technicality.