What conditions qualify for disability in North Carolina?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 05/26/2025
To qualify for disability benefits in North Carolina, your medical condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. The SSA maintains a detailed list of impairments — known as the Blue Book — that outlines specific medical conditions that may make you eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
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What Is Considered a Disability by the SSA?
To be considered disabled, you must meet all of the following:
- You cannot work or engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your condition.
- Your condition must be severe and limit your ability to perform basic work tasks.
- The disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months, or result in death.
Common Qualifying Conditions for Disability in North Carolina
The SSA’s Blue Book includes a range of impairments across multiple categories. Some of the most common qualifying conditions include:
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Arthritis
- Amputations
2. Cardiovascular Conditions
- Chronic heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Peripheral artery disease
3. Mental Health Disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- PTSD
4. Neurological Disorders
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cerebral palsy
5. Respiratory Illnesses
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Asthma (severe and persistent)
- Pulmonary fibrosis
6. Autoimmune Diseases
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
7. Cancer
- Leukemia
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Any cancer undergoing active treatment or that meets SSA severity standards
8. Endocrine Disorders
- Diabetes with complications
- Thyroid disorders
If your condition is not listed in the Blue Book, you may still qualify if your symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from working.
Medical Documentation Is Key
To be approved for disability, the SSA needs strong medical evidence, including:
- Diagnosis from a licensed physician or specialist
- Treatment records and test results
- Doctor’s notes detailing your limitations
- Statements on how the condition affects your ability to work
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we help North Carolina residents by:
- Reviewing your medical history and identifying qualifying conditions
- Ensuring your application clearly outlines your impairments
- Gathering and organizing the right documentation
- Filing appeals if your claim is denied
Contact Hogan Smith Today
Need help determining if your condition qualifies for disability in North Carolina?
Contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and guide you through the process with experience and compassion.
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