Determining whether a medical condition qualifies as a disability is not always straightforward. The legal definitions used by entities like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for workplace protections and the Social Security Administration (SSA) for financial benefits differ significantly. Both frameworks require a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, but they diverge on the level of severity and impact required for coverage or benefits.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Definition
The ADA protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in employment and public life. It uses a broad, legal definition rather than a strict medical one. To be protected, an individual must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This is the most common criterion.
- Have a history or record of such an impairment (e.g., cancer in remission).
- Be regarded as having such an impairment by others, even if they don't have one (e.g., being treated unfairly due to perceived scars).
What are 'Major Life Activities'?
Major life activities are defined broadly to include daily functions most people can perform with little or no difficulty. Examples include:
- Walking, standing, lifting, and bending.
- Seeing, hearing, and speaking.
- Thinking, concentrating, and communicating.
- The operation of major bodily functions, including the immune, neurological, and endocrine systems.
What is a 'Substantial Limitation'?
The term 'substantially limits' is not a demanding standard and should be interpreted broadly in favor of expansive coverage. The determination is made on a case-by-case basis and does not require extensive documentation. Importantly, conditions that are episodic or in remission, such as epilepsy or diabetes, are still considered disabilities if they would substantially limit a major life activity when active. The effects of mitigating measures, like medication, are not considered when assessing whether a condition is substantially limiting.
Social Security Administration (SSA) Definition
For the purpose of receiving disability benefits (SSDI or SSI), the SSA has a different and much stricter definition. It pays only for total disability, not partial or temporary conditions. To qualify, an individual must meet all of the following:
- Be unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), meaning they cannot do work that earns above a specific monthly amount ($1,620 for non-blind individuals in 2025).
- Have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is severe enough to significantly limit basic work activities.
- Be unable to adjust to other work that exists in the national economy due to their condition.
- Have a condition that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
The SSA 'Blue Book'
The SSA uses a Listing of Impairments, commonly called the 'Blue Book,' which details medical conditions considered severe enough to prevent SGA. If a condition meets or is equivalent to a listing in the Blue Book, it may qualify. However, a condition not in the book can still be considered based on a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment.
Common Qualifying Conditions
Both the ADA and SSA recognize a wide range of physical and mental health conditions that may count as disabilities. Some common examples include:
Physical Conditions
- Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., severe arthritis, degenerative disc disease)
- Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy)
- Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart disease, heart failure)
- Respiratory illnesses (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe asthma)
- Cancer
- Sensory impairments (e.g., blindness, deafness)
Mental Health Conditions
- Depressive, bipolar, and related disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder)
- Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders (e.g., PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder)
- Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
- Neurocognitive disorders (e.g., dementia, traumatic brain injury)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Eating disorders
Comparison: ADA vs. SSA Definition
| Feature | ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) | SSA (Social Security Administration) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Protects against discrimination in employment and public life. | Provides financial benefits for individuals unable to work. |
| Primary Test | Substantial limitation of a major life activity. | Inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (work). |
| Duration | Can apply to conditions lasting less than six months if the impact is substantial and long-term. | Must last, or be expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death. |
| Severity | A broad standard; impairment does not need to be completely or severely limiting. | Very strict; pays only for total disability, not partial. |
| Consideration of Mitigating Measures | Does not consider the effects of medication or assistive devices (e.g., glasses). | Considers overall ability, including any mitigation, when assessing a claim. |
The Crucial Role of Medical Documentation
For both ADA and SSA contexts, robust and thorough medical documentation is essential. Medical records serve as proof of a condition's severity and its impact on daily functioning or work ability. For SSA claims, failure to provide adequate medical evidence is one of the most common reasons for denial. Similarly, employees requesting accommodations under the ADA must provide sufficient documentation to support their request.
Conclusion
While a wide array of chronic illnesses and other conditions can be considered disabilities, the definition depends entirely on the context. Legal protections under the ADA focus on the substantial limitation of major life activities, offering a broader shield against discrimination in daily life. In contrast, the SSA has a more stringent definition, tied directly to an individual's inability to perform substantial work over a long period. Understanding these different standards is the first step toward securing the protections or benefits that may be available to you. For a comprehensive list of conditions evaluated by the SSA, you can consult the official Social Security 'Blue Book'.
Visit ADA.gov for more information on the Americans with Disabilities Act
