Disabilities can affect people in countless ways, but certain conditions are more common when it comes to Social Security Disability claims. The top 10 disabilities often include physical and mental impairments that significantly impact a person’s ability to work and perform daily activities.
These conditions range from musculoskeletal disorders to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. If you are struggling with a disability that prevents you from earning a living, it helps to understand these common conditions so you can determine your eligibility for benefits.
Learn more about the most common disabilities and how we can help in this comprehensive guide. Then, consider reaching out to an Atlanta Social Security Disability Lawyer. They can guide you through the process, ensuring you have the best chance to secure the benefits you deserve.
Statistics On The Top 10 Disabilities
According to the latest information published in 2018 by the United States Census Bureau, 27.2% of people had a disability in 2014, with around 17.6% experiencing a severe disability. Various conditions and injuries can lead to disabilities that may qualify for Social Security benefits.
While there are too many types of disabilities to list, we can highlight the top 10 according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Our team reviewed the SSA’s Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program from 2018.
We have identified the largest groups of individuals receiving benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Here’s a closer look at the top 10 disabilities.
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1. Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue
The first disability on the top ten list includes disorders of the musculoskeletal system. This group made up 29.7% of all people receiving Social Security disability benefits. The musculoskeletal system includes bones, ligaments, cartilage, and other connective tissues.
This system connects your bones and helps you maintain movements. No one can adequately sit, walk, or stand without the skeletal system. Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disorders include:
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Spine disorders
- Scoliosis
- Ruptured discs
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Degenerative disc disease
Musculoskeletal system disorders can make it nearly impossible for you to work. Many people are on SSDI for these conditions because of how much they can impact everyday life.
2. Mood Disorders
Among everyone who was getting Social Security Disability Benefits, 12.9% were living with a mood disorder. Here are some examples of mood disorders:
- Anxiety
- Minor depressive disorder
- Dysthymia
- Substance-induced mood disorder
- disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
Mood disorders can distort someone’s current frame of mind or emotions. They might feel irritability, extreme sadness, or emptiness as a result. Anxiety and depression can significantly impact someone’s ability to work.
3. Nervous System and Sense Organs
The nervous system is the system through which every section of the body communicates with each other. It is also connected to decision-making. Here are the areas of the body that are part of the nervous system:
- Brain
- Spinal cord
- Sensory organs
- Nerves
Here are some possible disorders of the nervous system:
- Cancer
- Blood vessel diseases, such as a stroke
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
- Diseases related to genes, such as muscular dystrophy
- Nervous system development disorders, such as spina bifida
Nervous system and sense organ disorders make up 9.7% of those receiving Social Security Disability benefits.
4. Intellectual Disabilities
Intellectual disabilities affect a person’s ability to solve problems, learn, and reason. They also impact adaptive behavior. Here are just some examples of intellectual disability:
- Acquired and traumatic brain injury
- Phenylketonuria
- Williams syndrome
- Apert syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS)
Intellectual disabilities often start before the age of 18. They make up 8.6% of those on Social Security Disability benefits.
5. Circulatory System
The circulatory system brings nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to the body’s cells and removes waste products. The circulatory system includes:
- Arteries that take blood away from the heart
- Veins that bring blood back to the heart.
Common diseases that affect the circulatory system include:
- Issues with your heart’s ability to pump
- Structural changes to the heart
- Blood flow inefficiency
- Blood cells that are blocked or too narrow
- High cholesterol or high blood pressure
- Weak blood vessels
Circulatory system diseases disrupt this process and make up 7% of those on disability.
6. Schizophrenic and Other Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders make up 4.8% of those on Social Security Disability benefits and can include symptoms like:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Catatonic behavior
- Disorganized speech
Symptoms can make it difficult to be social, complete activities, and engage in regular work. Delusional disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder are typical examples of psychotic disorders.
7. Other Mental Disorders
A large portion of the top ten disabilities includes mental health conditions and disorders. Just as there are too many types of disabilities for us to list here, there are too many mental disorders to specify them all.
These disorders can include those not already listed. Mental health conditions are just one of the four hidden disabilities. “Other mental disorders” make up 4% of those who receive disability benefits.
8. Injuries
Physical injuries can often lead to disabilities. SSA data shows that 3.5% of people became disabled because of injuries.
A sudden injury can change your life forever. You might be unable to work as you could before or unable to work at all. A total disability from injuries can lead you to apply for SSDI.
9. Organic Mental Disorders
Another name for organic mental disorders is “chronic organic brain syndromes.” These disorders are brain afflictions that cause severe psychological or behavioral issues. They affect 3.3% of those on SSDI.
The problems could be temporary or lifelong. They do not include psychiatric disorders. Diseases, injuries, or defects in the body might cause organic mental disorders. Symptoms include loss of brain function, confusion, and memory loss.
Examples of organic mental disorders include:
- Dementia
- Amnesia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Delirium
10. Neoplasms
Finally, the 10th top disability comes from neoplasms. A neoplasm is an abnormal growth that affects 2.8% of those on disability benefits. It forms a tumor or lump in the body.
Cells that divide more quickly than usual can cause a neoplasm. Neoplasms can be benign, pre-cancerous, or cancerous. If the tumor grows uncontrollably, it can spread to other body parts. As it spreads, it can affect organs and become life-threatening.
The main types of neoplasms include:
- Fibromas
- Adenomas
- Lipomas
- Hemangiomas
What Should You Do if You Have a Disability?
If you’re disabled and cannot work, you might be eligible for SSDI. You can apply through the SSA. SSDI can help provide income for you and your family’s needs. You’ll need to show proof of your medical condition and work history. You must have worked enough hours at jobs covered by Social Security.
A Social Security Disability lawyer can help you with your claim. If the SSA denies your application, a lawyer can help you appeal. Don’t assume you don’t qualify without speaking to a lawyer first. You can get assistance from an:
- Atlanta Bipolar Disorder Lawyer: Bipolar disorder can cause symptoms that hinder your ability to function in daily life. A lawyer can assist you in getting benefits if you are living with this disorder.
- Atlanta Crohn’s Disease Accident Lawyer: Crohn’s disease is a valid disability, and an attorney can help you secure benefits.
- Atlanta Diabetes Lawyer: The SSA may try to fight you if you claim your diabetes as a disability. A skilled attorney can challenge their claims and show that you deserve benefits.
- Atlanta Fibromyalgia Lawyer: When the pain from fibromyalgia leaves you unable to function in daily life, you can get help from a lawyer to get it qualified as a disability.
- Atlanta Heart Disease Lawyer: Heart disease can render you unable to work. When it does, a lawyer can work with you to get you on disability.
- Atlanta Lupus Lawyer: Just having a lupus diagnosis is not enough to qualify for disability benefits. A lawyer will help you prove that your condition has left you unable to work.
- Atlanta Mental Illness Lawyer: It can be difficult to have a mental illness disability claim approved. With help from an attorney, you have a better chance of a successful claim.
What Conditions Automatically Qualify You for Disability?
Some health conditions listed above may automatically qualify you for disability benefits in Georgia. If your disability is severe, you may qualify for a compassionate allowance. This will allow you to start receiving disability payments right away rather than waiting for the usual approval process.
You may also automatically qualify for SSDI if you have:
- Cancer
- Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Cardiovascular illnesses
- Endocrine disorders
- Muscular dystrophy
A social security disability attorney can review your case and determine whether your condition should automatically qualify you for disability. Your lawyer can explain how to apply for disability and advise you on what documentation you may need to prove the severity of your condition.
What Is the Most Approved Disability?
Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from the condition. If you have arthritis that makes walking or daily living difficult, you may qualify for disability benefits.
Do I Really Need to Speak with a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
The state of Georgia doesn’t make qualifying for social security disability benefits easy, even if you have a serious disability. If you get denied and feel completely uncertain about the social security disability requirements, it’s best to contact a lawyer. There’s no need to feel intimidated. Hiring a lawyer can only help your case.
Your life is already stressful enough as it is. The last thing you need is financial pressure. Our attorneys will help you navigate through all of the legal processes to ensure that you get the money you need to move forward with your life.
Is It Expensive to Hire a Lawyer?
We understand that the thought of another expense may deter you from asking for help when you need it. If you have a disability that prevents you from working, you can’t afford to pay upfront fees or hourly attorney rates. Rest assured that in most cases, you don’t have to.
Lawyers will often offer free consultations and operate on a contingency basis. This means that if they can’t recover benefits on your behalf, you don’t owe them anything in return. You only pay if you get the benefits you need. Don’t worry too much about how much it will cost. Hiring a lawyer is an investment you make to get the money you need.
Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer for Free Today
If you need additional information about social security disability requirements, turn to a professional. John Foy & Associates has been helping disabled individuals for over 20 years. We can assist if you’re struggling to get the benefits you need. Plus, we do not collect a fee unless we win you money.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation. Give us a call or fill out our online form.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
