The Social Security Administration (SSA) has created the Blue Book to provide information regarding the evaluation and processing of disability claims to healthcare and legal professionals.
The Blue Book consists of four parts. The first part of the book contains the Listing of Impairments.
The List of Impairments are divided into Part A and Part B. Part A of the book contains the Adult Listings; which are applicable to claimants over the age of 18, whereas the Childhood Listings are applicable to claimants under the age of 18. The SSA uses these listings to determine if the claimant’s impairment(s) are disabling.
If the claimant meets one of the designated listings they may qualify for Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The listings are intended to be a guide to healthcare and legal professionals as to what information the SSA needs to make a determination on the claimants claim. The Blue Book lists the requirements for each condition in the book that would allow the claimant to be approved. For example, severity of the claimants symptoms, medical documentation of condition, and effectiveness of medical treatment.
After the Listing of Impairments, the Blue Book divides into Part I and Part II. Part I provides general information regarding the process of filing for DIB or SSI benefits. Part II contains the evidentiary requirements necessary to prove the claimant meets a listing.
For more information on the Blue Book or to view the entire contents go to the SSA’s website. Please click here for a link.
