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  • By: Paul Boucon, Esq.
Clipboard with Social Security Disability form and pen placed on desk beside small green plant

In this article, you can discover…

  • The common medical conditions that qualify for SSD benefits.
  • If receiving a specific diagnosis guarantees SSD approval in Michigan.
  • How the Social Security Administration evaluates disability claims in Michigan.

What Are The Most Common Medical Conditions That Qualify For SSD Benefits In Michigan?

Based on my legal experience, the most common qualifying conditions tend to fall into a few major categories.

  • Skeletal Conditions – like stenosis of the lumbar spine, spondylosis of the cervical spine, or any condition that affects the spine.
  • Mental Disorders – anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.
  • Cardiovascular Conditions – chronic heart failure, arrhythmia, ischemic heart condition, etc.
  • Digestive or Gastrointestinal – IBD, liver disease, etc.
  • Respiratory Illnesses – COPD, Asthma, etc.

I’d probably say skeletal and mental conditions are the ones we see the most on a daily basis.

Does Receiving A Specific Diagnosis Guarantee SSD Approval In Michigan?

Receiving a specific diagnosis by itself does not automatically guarantee SSD approval in Michigan.

Now, there are certain conditions listed by the Social Security Administration called “listed conditions” that, if you meet the specific medical criteria outlined, can lead to you automatically being found disabled, but that is not how the majority of applicants get approved.

How Does The Social Security Administration Evaluate Disability Claims In Michigan?

The Social Security Administration evaluates disability claims in a multi-step process.

The first step is to fill out an application. That is where you tell them who you are, what medical conditions prevent you from working, and which medical providers are currently treating you.

The approval process for the first step/application can take anywhere, on average, from six months to a year. At the end of the evaluation, they can come to one of two decisions: either you are disabled or you are not disabled. If they decide you are not disabled, you have to ask for a reconsideration.

The reconsideration process involves a different group of people with a fresh set of eyes taking a look at your claim. Fortunately, that particular step does not take as long as the initial approval process. In my experience, it usually takes anywhere between three and five months. Like before, they can either decide you are disabled or not.

The third stage is a hearing before the Administrative Law Judge, and where most people actually get disability. You will have a chance to present your case in person, by phone, or through Zoom. This hearing gives you the opportunity to explain your limitations and make a stronger case with the help of an experienced attorney.

How Does A Disability Claims Attorney Help You Get SSD Benefits In Michigan?

The right disability claims attorney can give you a huge advantage in getting your SSD benefits.

I can only speak for myself, but unlike some attorneys who only step in after the first denial, I work with clients like you from the very beginning of your disability claim.

When you first call my office, you are not passed off to a paralegal or assistant; you are talking directly with me, the attorney who will be handling your case. I do this because I like to personally know every detail about your situation early on, which allows me to build a much stronger case as we move forward.

One of the most essential tools I use is called Electronic Records Express, which gives me direct access to your official Social Security disability file. That is the same file a judge would review at your hearing.

What are the benefits of having access to your file? I am able to monitor your case in real time and provide you with accurate updates. I can upload medical records directly into your Social Security file as soon as we get them, and I can communicate with disability claims workers quickly to keep your case moving without delay.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Social Security Disability eligibility in Michigan, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (231) 726-4357 today.