Blue Book (SSA) — Listing of Impairments
The Social Security Administration's official reference guide that lists medical conditions automatically considered severe enough to qualify for SSDI or SSI.
Official source: ssa.gov
The Blue Book is SSA's official list of medical conditions that automatically qualify as disabilities if your condition meets the specific severity criteria listed. If your condition and test results match a Blue Book listing, SSA can approve your claim without going through the full five-step evaluation — this is called "meeting a listing" and it's one of the fastest paths to approval.
Even if you don't meet a specific listing, you can still be approved. SSA then evaluates your RFC — your assessed work capacity — against the demands of your past jobs and other available jobs. Most disability approvals happen this way, not through a Blue Book listing match.
The Blue Book is organized by body system: musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, mental disorders, neurological, immune system, and others. Within each section are specific conditions with specific clinical criteria — things like test results, measurements, and documented functional limitations that must all be present to meet the listing.
Review the BenefitKarma SSDI Filing Success Score to see how well your condition matches Blue Book criteria before you apply.
In real life
- A person with a serious heart problem might look at the Blue Book to see if their condition is listed.
- Someone with a long-term illness that keeps them from working can check the Blue Book to understand if they might get benefits.
- A veteran who has a severe injury could use the Blue Book to see if their health issue meets the rules for help.
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Frequently asked questions about Blue Book (SSA)
What is Blue Book (SSA)?+
The Social Security Administration's official reference guide that lists medical conditions automatically considered severe enough to qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits if specific criteria are met.
Who qualifies for Blue Book (SSA)?+
Adults under full retirement age who have a qualifying medical condition expected to last 12+ months and who have earned enough recent work credits.
How do I apply for Blue Book (SSA)?+
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. There's no cost to apply.
Where can I get help?+
Run the SSDI Filing Success Score to check your readiness, then the SSDI Benefit Estimator to size up your monthly payment. Local Social Security field offices can also help you apply at no cost.
Source: ssa.gov