Millions of Americans live with disabilities that impact their day-to-day lives, ability to work, and overall quality of life. According to the Social Security Administration, certain conditions are more commonly approved for disability benefits than others.
Below are the top 10 disabilities that most frequently qualify for benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income.
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal conditions account for nearly 30% of approved SSDI claims and are the leading cause of disability.
Common types of musculoskeletal disorders include:
- Arthritis
- Chronic back pain
- Degenerative disc disease
- Scoliosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Individuals who have severe musculoskeletal impairments can have issues with standing, walking, or lifting objects, making daily activities and sustaining a job difficult.
2. Mood Disorders
Another major cause of disability that impacts millions of individuals is mental health conditions.
Examples of mood disorders include:
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder)
These disorders impact emotional regulation, making it difficult for those who are diagnosed to function in their day-to-day lives or work settings.
3. Nervous System Disorders
The nervous system impacts movement, cognition, and a number of other essential bodily functions. Disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, or nerves can be debilitating.
Common nervous system disorders include:
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Neuropathy
- Brain injuries
These conditions may often result in seizures, uncontrollable tremors, or mobility issues that make it hard to perform daily tasks or complete work.
4. Circulatory System Disorders
Heart disease and other circulatory conditions are the leading cause of disability in the United States.
Circulatory disorders that qualify for disability benefits include:
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Aneurysms
- Stroke
- Peripheral artery disease
Individuals with more severe forms of cardiovascular disease may experience extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and an inability to do laborious tasks.
5. Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders can significantly impact a person’s ability to function in day-to-day life. It may be more difficult for these individuals to maintain steady employment, relationships, and daily routines.
6. Intellectual Disabilities
An intellectual disability impacts cognitive functioning, making learning, reasoning, and problem-solving more difficult. These conditions are present at birth and are usually diagnosed before adulthood.
Common intellectual disabilities include:
- Down syndrome
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
- Fragile X syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
Individuals who have intellectual disabilities often require lifelong assistance and can qualify for disability benefits.
7. Respiratory System Disorders
A respiratory condition can limit how well the lungs function, making physical activity and even basic daily tasks difficult.
Examples of common respiratory conditions that could qualify for benefits include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Cystic fibrosis
- Severe asthma
Many individuals who have chronic respiratory issues rely on oxygen therapy and cannot engage in labor-intensive tasks.
8. Neoplasms (Cancerous Tumors)
Cancer and other abnormal cell growths (also known as neoplasms) can have a severe impact on an individual's ability to work, especially when treatment is involved. Aggressive or late-stage cancers may qualify for compassionate allowances, which can expedite the claims process.
9. Organic Mental Disorders
When a mental disorder is caused because of injury, illness, or disease, it is organic. These disorders can lead to memory loss and impaired cognitive function. Examples include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
10. Severe Injuries
Severe injuries can lead to permanent disabilities that prevent individuals from being able to maintain a job.
The most common types that qualify include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Paralysis
Many of these injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, or other traumatic personal injury accidents.
Get Legal Help for a Disability Claim
Living with any disability can be challenging, especially when it impacts an individual’s daily life and ability to work. The top 10 disabilities account for a significant portion of disability claims, but many other conditions may qualify for benefits. If you are dealing with a disability and want to know more about seeking benefits, it is crucial to get the legal help you need.
Contact a Tampa Personal Injury Attorney from Apex Law Firm for Help Today
For more information, please contact Apex Law Firm to schedule a free consultation with our lawyers in Tampa today. We conveniently serve Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, and Lakeland.
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