What Are the Top 10 Disabilities?

The top 10 disabilities in the U.S. include physical and mental impairments that significantly impact a person’s ability to work and perform daily activities. The most common conditions range from musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders to mental health issues like depression and bipolar disorder.

According to the latest statistics from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the top 10 disabilities in the U.S. are:

Diagnostic Group	Total Overall		Total Workers
	Number	Percent	Number	Percent
Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue	185,815	31.4%	177,992	34%
Neoplasms	72,336	12.2%	71,319	13.6%
Nervous System and Sense Organs	58,920	10%	50,936	9.7%
Circulatory System	58,623	9.9%	57,066	10.9%
Depressive, Bipolar, and Related Disorders	24,864	4.2%	20,465	3.9%
Respiratory System	23,463	4%	22,434	4.3%
Intellectual Disorders	23,095	3.9%	6,045	1.2%
Genitourinary System	21,175	3.6%	20,691	3.9%
Injuries	20,862	3.5%	19,755	3.8%
Other Mental Disorders	16,480	2.8%	12,642	2.4%

Learn more about the most common disabilities and how a lawyer can help you. An Atlanta Social Security Disability lawyer can guide you through the process, ensuring you have the best chance to secure the benefits you deserve.

Statistics on the Top 10 Disabilities

About 13% of men and women in the United States who are not living in institutions reported having a disability. This is based on the most recent ACS 5-Year Estimates (2023) from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Additionally, according to the Social Security Administration’s Annual Statistical Report for the disability insurance program, benefits were awarded to 523,834 disabled workers in 2023 from a total of 591,687 benefits offered. The other main groups of beneficiaries include widow(er)s (16,301) and adult children (51,552).

The list of top 10 disabilities is also based on this report, which groups disabilities by diagnostic category rather than individual disabilities, so multiple ailments are counted together.

1. Conditions of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue – 34%

The musculoskeletal system includes bones, ligaments, cartilage, and other connective tissues. This system connects your bones and helps you maintain movements. Common musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disorders include:

• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Spine disorders
• Scoliosis
• Ruptured discs
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Degenerative disc disease

Among the total disability beneficiaries, diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue are the most prevalent for SSDI recipients, accounting for 185,815 cases. When focusing specifically on workers receiving disability benefits, this category is even more prominent, representing 177,992 cases.

How Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Disabilities Impact Daily Life

Mobility impairments are among the most common functional limitations reported in disability data and are frequently associated with musculoskeletal and connective tissue conditions. They often have higher approval rates for disability benefits because they directly affect a person’s ability to walk, stand, lift, or perform basic work activities. These limitations are typically easier to document through medical imaging, treatment history, and functional capacity evaluations, making their impact on employability clearer.

2. Neoplasms – 12.2%

Neoplasms are commonly known as tumors or cancers. These conditions occur when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, potentially affecting nearly any part of the body.

The severity of a neoplasm and the treatment required (such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation) can result in long-term physical limitations, fatigue, and other complications that interfere with daily life and the ability to work.

How Common Are Neoplasms Among Disabilities?

Neoplasms, which include cancers and other abnormal tissue growths, account for 72,336 cases, making up 12.2% of all disability awards. Among workers specifically, they represent 13.6% of cases.

While neoplasms affect a smaller portion of the overall population compared to some other conditions, they still have a significant impact on workers, often leading to long-term health challenges and time away from work.

3. Conditions of the Nervous System and Sense Organs – 10%

Conditions affecting the nervous system and sense organs encompass a wide range of disorders that impact the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and sensory organs such as the eyes and ears.

Examples of such conditions include:

• Sensory impairments
• Neurological disorders
• Other related diseases that disrupt the normal nervous system or sensory function

These conditions can interfere with critical functions, including movement, coordination, sensation, vision, hearing, and balance. Depending on the severity, they may limit an individual’s ability to perform daily activities, maintain employment, or live independently.

How Common Are Nervous System and Sense Organ Disabilities?

Conditions affecting the nervous system and sense organs account for 58,920 cases, representing 10% of all disability awards. Among workers specifically, these conditions affect 50,936 individuals, or 9.7% of worker-related cases.

Many circulatory, nervous system, and sensory conditions have become more prevalent due to modern work conditions that place prolonged physical, mental, and environmental stress on employees.

Sedentary lifestyles, long hours at desks or in front of screens, and limited physical activity can contribute to cardiovascular problems and circulatory issues. High stress levels, demanding workloads, and constant multitasking can exacerbate mental and neurological disorders.

4. Disease of the Circulatory System – 9.9%

The circulatory system is responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body. It includes:

• The heart, which acts as the central pump
• Arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart
• Veins, which return oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart
• Capillaries, the tiny blood vessels where the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste occurs

This system also encompasses the blood itself, which carries essential cells, hormones, and other substances necessary for maintaining overall health. Together, these components work to sustain life by ensuring that all tissues and organs receive the resources they need to function properly.

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

Why Diseases of the Circulatory System Rank Among the Top Disabilities

Disorders of the circulatory system, which include conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke, account for 58,623 cases, representing 9.9% of all disability awards.

Among workers specifically, these conditions are slightly more common, affecting 57,066 individuals, or 10.9% of worker-related cases.

5. Bipolar, Depressive, and Related Disorders – 4.2%

Everything from someone’s mood and energy levels to their ability to function in daily life can be impacted by these disorders. This includes their work and social interactions. Mental health conditions can be long-term and significantly impair an individual’s capacity to perform routine tasks, meet occupational demands, or maintain consistent attendance at work.

Depressive disorders (such as major depressive disorder) are characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty concentrating.

Bipolar disorders involve alternating periods of depression and unusually elevated or irritable moods (mania or hypomania), which can disrupt judgment and the ability to maintain steady employment.

Why Depressive, Bipolar, and Related Disorders Rank Among the Top Disabilities

Depressive, bipolar, and related disorders, which include conditions such as major depression and bipolar disorder, account for 24,864 cases, representing 4.2% of all disability awards. Among workers specifically, these conditions affect 20,465 individuals, or 3.9% of worker-related cases.

6. Respiratory System Diseases – 4%

Respiratory system diseases are recognized as qualifying conditions for disability benefits. These diseases affect the lungs and airways, making it difficult to breathe, maintain stamina, and perform physical activities required for daily life or work.

When seeking benefits, provide medical documentation that demonstrates the severity of the condition, including test results (like pulmonary function tests), treatment history, and evidence of how the disease limits work capacity.

Why Respiratory System Diseases Rank Among the Top Disabilities

Respiratory system diseases, which include conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other chronic lung disorders, account for 23,463 cases, representing 4% of all disability awards. Among workers specifically, these conditions affect 22,434 individuals, or 4.3% of worker-related cases.

7. Intellectual Disorders – 3.9%

Intellectual disorders 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)

Why Intellectual Disorders Rank Among the Top Disabilities

Intellectual disorders, which include conditions such as developmental delays and cognitive impairments, account for 23,095 cases, representing 3.9% of all disability awards. Among workers specifically, these disorders affect 6,045 individuals, or 1.2% of worker-related cases. 

While intellectual disorders are a significant cause of disability overall, they are less common among the working population, often due to challenges in obtaining or maintaining employment. 

8. Genitourinary System Diseases – 3.6%

Genitourinary system diseases, which affect the kidneys, bladder, and other parts of the urinary and reproductive systems, can qualify individuals for disability benefits when they significantly limit daily functioning or the ability to work.

Individuals with advanced kidney disease, for example, may require dialysis or a transplant, which can substantially reduce the capacity to maintain regular employment.

Why Genitourinary System Diseases Rank Among the Top Disabilities

Genitourinary system diseases, which include conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, and other parts of the urinary and reproductive systems, account for 21,175 cases, representing 3.6% of all disability awards. Among workers specifically, these conditions affect 20,691 individuals, or 3.9% of worker-related cases.

9. Injuries – 3.5%

Injuries can stem from workplace accidents, repetitive physical strain, or sudden traumatic events, and they often lead to long-term limitations that interfere with a person’s ability to work. The data highlights the substantial role injuries continue to play in disability claims and the lasting impact they can have on the workforce.

Physical injuries can often lead to disabilities. 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.

Why Injuries Rank Among the Top Disabilities

Injuries account for 20,862 cases, representing 3.5% of all disability awards. Among workers specifically, injuries affect 19,755 individuals, or 3.8% of worker-related cases. This indicates that injuries are a notable cause of disability in the workforce, often resulting from accidents, falls, or work-related incidents that limit physical functioning and the ability to perform job duties.

Certain industries are especially injury-prone due to the physical and environmental demands of the work. Construction, manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing frequently involve heavy lifting, machinery, and hazardous conditions that increase the risk of serious injury. 

10. Other Mental Disorders – 2.8%

Other mental disorders make up 2.8% of all disability awards, indicating that while they are less common than some physical or mood-related conditions, they still affect a significant number of individuals.

This category does not include the following mental disorders, which are listed separately in the 2023 report under mental disorders:

• Autism spectrum disorders
• Developmental disorders
• Childhood and adolescent disorders  not elsewhere classified
• Intellectual disorders
• Depressive, bipolar, and related disorders
• Neurocognitive disorders
• Schizophrenia spectrum and other  psychotic disorders

These conditions can interfere with daily functioning, social interactions, and the ability to maintain employment. For those affected, disability benefits provide essential support for treatment, symptom management, and maintaining a stable quality of life.

Why Other Mental Disorders Rank Among the Top Disabilities

Other mental disorders, which encompass a range of psychiatric conditions not classified under depressive, bipolar, or related disorders, account for 16,480 cases, representing 2.8% of all disability awards. Among workers specifically, these conditions affect 12,642 individuals, or 2.4% of worker-related cases.

What Should You Do if You Have a Disability?

If you’re disabled and unable to work, you may qualify for SSDI through the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSDI can provide income to support you and your family. To apply, you’ll need proof of your medical condition and work history, and you must have enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security.

A Social Security Disability lawyer can help with your application and appeals if your claim is denied. Don’t assume you won’t qualify—get professional guidance first from:

• 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.

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.