What conditions qualify for disability in Massachusetts?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 05/22/2025
If you're living in Massachusetts and considering applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it's essential to understand which medical conditions the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers disabling.
Not every illness or injury qualifies. The SSA uses strict criteria to determine whether your condition prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $4,018 per month and 12 months back pay.
Please answer a few questions to help us determine your eligibility.
SSA’s Blue Book: Listing of Impairments
The SSA maintains a document called the Blue Book, which lists specific medical conditions that may qualify you for disability benefits. These are categorized by body systems and include both physical and mental disorders.
Some of the most common qualifying conditions include:
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Joint dysfunction (e.g., hip, knee, shoulder)
- Severe back or neck problems
2. Cardiovascular Conditions
- Chronic heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Arrhythmias
- Peripheral artery disease
3. Neurological Disorders
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cerebral palsy
- Stroke (with lasting impairment)
4. Mental Health Disorders
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Intellectual disability
5. Respiratory Disorders
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Asthma (severe and persistent)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
6. Immune System Disorders
- Lupus
- HIV/AIDS
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
7. Cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Other aggressive or inoperable cancers
What If Your Condition Isn’t Listed?
Even if your specific condition isn’t listed in the SSA Blue Book, you may still qualify if:
- Your condition is medically equivalent to a listed impairment
- You can prove it significantly limits your ability to perform basic work tasks
- You provide sufficient medical evidence to support the severity and limitations
The SSA will evaluate your functional limitations, including how your condition affects your ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, concentrate, or follow directions.
Medical Documentation Is Key
To qualify for disability in Massachusetts, you must provide strong medical evidence, including:
- Doctor’s evaluations and treatment notes
- Imaging results (MRI, X-ray, CT scans)
- Psychological or neurocognitive assessments
- Medication lists and side effects
- Hospitalization or surgery records
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we understand how overwhelming it can be to prove you’re disabled—especially when your daily life is already difficult. Our team helps Massachusetts residents by:
- Identifying qualifying conditions
- Collecting medical evidence
- Filing or reviewing applications
- Handling appeals if you’re denied
Contact Hogan Smith Today
Wondering if your condition qualifies for disability in Massachusetts? Don’t guess—get expert guidance.
Call Hogan Smith now for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your options and fight to get you the benefits you deserve.
Further Reading
Boost Your Chance of Being Approved
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Our experts have helped thousands like you get cash benefits.
How It Works
1
Briefly tell us about your case
2
Provide your contact information
3
Choose attorneys to contact you