Severe medical conditions such as terminal cancer, paralysis as in a quadriplegic, severe mental conditions or someone awaiting an organ transplant are somewhat easier to determine as a disability under the Social Security Administration. There are many conditions that fall into a very large and ambiguous gray area.

If there is reason to believe that the applicant is disabled and in need of financial assistance, it is recommended that they consult with an attorney who is an expert in this field and who would be better able to help them make that determination.

Even if it appears likely that the applicant will be turned down, the applicant should still consider discussing the situation with an expert. Their judgment may be clouded and they could be missing out on assistance that they have a legitimate claim to. If the applicant does apply and is denied, an attorney who is a Social Security expert may still be able to help them succeed in an appeal.