How Our Lawyers Help You Prove Your SSD Claim
Qualifying for Social Security Disability in New York isn’t just about listing a medical diagnosis. It’s about showing how your condition actually limits your ability to work and live day-to-day. That’s where our New York Social Security disability attorneys make a real difference. At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we:
✓ Review your medical history to highlight functional limitations that meet SSA standards
✓ Gather supporting evidence from doctors, therapists, and specialists to make your claim undeniable
✓ Connect your condition to real-world impacts on work and daily life
✓ Prepare applications, appeals, and, if needed, federal court filings with precision and attention to detail
We make sure the SSA sees the full picture, not just a list of symptoms, so your claim reflects the real challenges you face. With us on your side, you can focus on your health while knowing every aspect of your case is handled with skill, care, and persistence.
Who Qualifies for SSD Benefits in New York?
You may be eligible to apply for SSD or SSI if a medical condition prevents you from working on a full-time basis and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Eligibility generally depends on:
- Work history for SSD: You must have earned enough “work credits” through prior employment covered by Social Security.
- Income and resources for SSI: Supplemental Security Income focuses on financial need, so your income and assets must fall below federal limits.
- Medical evidence: Conditions must be documented by qualified healthcare professionals, showing how your ability to work is limited.
- Residency requirements: Applicants must reside in the United States and meet citizenship or qualified alien status rules.
At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, PLLC, our Social Security disability attorneys in New York guide individuals through the application process, helping ensure eligibility is properly documented and increasing the likelihood of approval.
Common Conditions That Qualify for SSD or SSI
SSA maintains a list of “Listing of Impairments,” but approval is based not just on diagnosis. It depends on how the condition limits your ability to function. Below are major categories of conditions that can qualify, along with what SSA considers in each case.
Mental Health Disorders
Mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and schizophrenia, can qualify when they significantly limit daily functioning. SSA evaluates:
- Ability to concentrate, maintain focus, and follow instructions
- Capacity to interact socially and maintain workplace relationships
- Limitations in performing routine daily tasks
Medical documentation, therapy notes, and statements from family or employers about functional impact are critical.
Musculoskeletal and Chronic Pain Conditions
Back and neck injuries, joint pain, arthritis, orthopedic injuries, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and carpal tunnel syndrome may qualify if they prevent lifting, bending, standing, or performing repetitive motions needed in most jobs. SSA considers:
- Imaging results (X-rays, MRIs)
- Orthopedic evaluations and physical therapy records
- Pain management treatments and functional limitations
We work with clients to ensure these records fully document both current and projected limitations.
Neurological Disorders
Conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, ALS, or traumatic brain injuries may qualify when they impact coordination, memory, or motor skills. SSA evaluates:
- Objective medical findings (EEGs, MRIs, neurological exams)
- Frequency and severity of episodes (seizures, tremors, flares)
- Impact on work-related tasks
Our attorneys help connect these clinical records to the functional limitations SSA requires.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions
Heart disease, congestive heart failure, COPD, and asthma can qualify if they limit stamina or the ability to perform sustained work activity. SSA reviews:
- Hospitalization and treatment records
- Exercise tolerance tests and breathing assessments
- Medication regimens and ongoing care
We ensure these records clearly illustrate both the medical severity and real-world impact.
Immune System and Blood Disorders
Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, and other autoimmune disorders may qualify if flare-ups or chronic symptoms interfere with work consistency. SSA reviews:
- Frequency and intensity of flare-ups
- Lab results showing disease progression
- Documentation of daily limitations and long-term prognosis
Our team coordinates with your healthcare providers to capture these nuances.
Sensory Impairments
Blindness, severe vision loss, hearing loss, and speech disorders may qualify when they interfere with employment or daily living. SSA evaluates:
- Functional limitations in daily life and job performance
- Specialist assessments (ophthalmologists, audiologists)
- Assistive devices or accommodations needed
We make sure SSA sees how these impairments affect more than just basic medical measures.
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Conditions like diabetes with complications, thyroid disease, and other metabolic disorders may qualify if they affect stamina, focus, or mobility. SSA considers:
- Lab results and medical history
- Treatment plans and compliance
- Functional impact on work and daily tasks
We guide clients in documenting these effects so SSA can understand the real-world consequences.
Other Chronic or Severe Conditions
SSA evaluates all medically documented conditions that limit work activity. Even less common conditions may qualify if they prevent sustained employment. Every claim is unique, and our attorneys help determine if your condition meets the SSA criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know every disability case is unique, and it’s normal to have specific concerns. Below, we cover questions we hear most often from clients. If your situation isn’t addressed, our lawyers are ready to provide personalized advice and help you understand your next steps.
Does age or work history affect my ability to qualify for SSD in New York?
Yes. For SSD (not SSI), you must have earned enough Social Security “work credits” to be eligible. Age can influence the SSA’s evaluation, especially regarding the ability to adapt to other work. Our attorneys help assess eligibility under New York and federal rules, ensuring your work history and age are accurately reflected in the claim.
Can I apply for both SSD and SSI if my income is low?
It’s possible. SSD depends on your work credits, while SSI focuses on financial need. Many applicants qualify for one or both programs. Our New York SSD lawyers evaluate your financial and work history to maximize eligibility for different types of SSD benefits.
How do your attorneys help with conditions that are hard to document?
Some conditions, like chronic pain, IBS, or carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t show up clearly on scans. SSA requires functional evidence, such as doctor observations, therapy records, and personal statements. Our attorneys know how to present these cases effectively, linking symptoms to daily life limitations.
Can a previous denial affect my current application?
Previous New York SSD claim denials do not automatically disqualify you. However, the SSA will review your history and expects new evidence or more detailed documentation. We help clients strengthen claims by adding precise, functional evidence and legal arguments, increasing the chance of approval.
Do I need an SSD attorney to prove my condition in New York?
You can apply for SSD on your own, but a New York SSD attorney greatly increases your chances of approval. SSA evaluates how your condition limits daily functioning, not just the diagnosis, and many claims are denied for incomplete documentation. Our attorneys ensure medical records, specialist evaluations, and real-life impact statements meet SSA standards and guide your claim through every stage, including appeals if needed.