Hundreds of medical ailments and conditions qualify injured or ailing workers to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. An incomplete list would include musculoskeletal system disorders, digestive ailments and respiratory, neurological, blood-related and skin disorders.
This may make some wonder as to what are the most common impairments for which disabled workers received SSD benefits.
Musculoskeletal disorders and neoplasms
According to the Social Security Administration’s recently released annual statistical report on the SSD program, here is a list of the most common ailments for which disabled workers received benefits:
- Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disorders: (36.2%) These ailments include arthritis, back pain, joint pain and autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma and lupus.
- Neoplasms: (12.6%) These are abnormal tissue growths that may lead to malignant cancerous tumors. Neoplasms may include carcinomas, sarcomas, myelomas, leukemias and lymphomas.
- Mental disorders: (12.1%) This list includes depression, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, psychotic disorders and intellectual disorders.
- Diseases of the circulatory system: (10.9%) High blood pressure, strokes and heart ailments such as heart failure, heart attacks and valve problems are among the ailments in this category.
- Diseases of the nervous system and sense organs: (9.4%) Among this category include epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, glaucoma, visual disorders and hearing loss.
All other ailments accounted for the remaining 18.8%.
Pursue, apply and appeal
In 2021, the SSA awarded benefits to 540,353 disabled workers who suffered from a medical condition that would prevent them from working at least a year. If you are unable to work due to a medical condition or injury, it is in your best interest to apply for SSD benefits. Many conditions will qualify you for these benefits. But note: About two-thirds of first-time claims are rejected. However, the likelihood of approval greatly increases when you appeal. To help ensure that your SSD application is accepted, it’s important to work with an experienced SSD attorney.