It’s no secret that getting the approval for the SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is quite difficult.

Just surf the web a little, and you’ll discover thousands of forums and webpages talking about how difficult, long, and stressful the road to SSDI is.

The frustration is understandable: Many people in the US think that just because their problem appears in the list for eligibility, it’s enough for them to receive the benefit.

But the truth is that getting this disability benefit is actually much more complicated.

SSDI approval rates by condition indicate that some disabilities have higher approval rates than others, but many factors determine if you’ll get the benefit or not, besides your medical condition.

For that reason, let’s see how exactly SSDI approval rates vary depending on specific conditions, and which other factors influence the approval of this benefit.

SSDI Approval Rates By Condition

It is important to remember that the Social Security Administration (SSA) only grants the SSDI benefit to individuals with disabilities that last at least 12 months or cause death.

So, short-term disabilities don’t make someone eligible for SSDI.

That being said, at the top of the ranking of conditions with the highest rates of approval, we find multiple sclerosis, with a 68%, followed by cancer with a 64% of approval rate.

Other conditions include:

• Respiratory issues (47%)
• Osteoarthritis and joint diseases (40%)
• Mood and anxiety disorders (37%)
• Back problems (34%)

These conditions have approval rates of less than 50% percent, though rates vary across states.

But besides these numbers, the approval is not automatic, even if you have any of these conditions, as there are other aspects to consider.

Key Factors for SSDI Approval

Several factors influence your SSDI case approval, apart from medical conditions.

Evidence

Many people fail to provide enough evidence of how their conditions affect their daily lives and ability to perform at work.

The more detailed the evidence, the higher the chances of getting disability benefits, so a couple of medicine prescriptions are not enough.

Experts recommend providing the following information:

• Presenting proof of symptoms you had, your adherence to medications, if you attended rehabilitation, and if there was progress.
• Test results, such as X-rays and laboratory results.
• Even notes on personal diaries explaining symptoms and how they affected you.

Showing strong evidence provided by specialists, and demonstrating how your disability affects your working capacity strengthens your case.

Age

Young individuals usually have fewer chances of getting their SSDI approved compared to senior applicants.

Applicants around 60-65 years old have approval rates of 62%, higher than those of younger applicants, even though individuals between 18 and 65 years old can apply for the benefit.

As the SSA follows standards to evaluate cases according to applicants’ age, education, and years worked, among others, it becomes clear that older people have fewer chances of performing a variety of jobs.

That’s why, as applicants age, their chances of getting the SSDI increase.

Case Stage

Several studies show that SSDI cases have lower approval rates at initial stages, while those cases at the hearing increase their chances.

Actually, some medical conditions with higher approval rates after hearings include:

• Congestive heart failure (80%)
• Diabetic neuropathy (77%)
• Cognitive disorders (73%)
• Coronary artery disease (71%)

As applicants have the chance of presenting more evidence of their claims, the chances of receiving the SSDI benefit are higher.

Professional Advice

The chances of getting the SSDI approved increase considerably when applicants have legal representation.

A lawyer clearly knows Social Security law, helps avoid common mistakes, and gathers the necessary evidence to present a solid case.

Therefore, to get your SSDI approved, seeking professional help will boost your chances.

Applying for SSDI Without Getting Crazy

The process of applying for SSDI benefits is a headache, we know that.

For that reason, understanding how different circumstances affect your specific case is important.

Far from a matter of which conditions have higher approval rates, it is important to consider that the amount of clear evidence, your age, and legal representation are factors that influence your chances.

Moreover, a claim dismissed at the initial stage is not a lost cause, as some cases have more opportunities when appealing.

This information can help you breathe, relax, and think of presenting your case with a clear strategy.