What Are The Top 10 Disabilities?
A study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that one in four Americans, or roughly 61 million people, suffer from a disability. Signs that you will be approved for disability benefits include a long-term inability to work. Often, this occurs because you have difficulty with basic actions in six areas: mobility, cognition, hearing, vision, self-care, and independent living.
Determining the top ten disabilities is not as easy as you might believe. The problem is not a lack of data. Many government agencies and universities have researched disabilities in the U.S.
You can get a good picture of the disabilities Americans suffer by blending these sources to identify the top ten disabilities in a few different contexts. Using this method, the top ten disabilities include the following:
1. Musculoskeletal Diseases
What medical conditions qualify for long-term disability benefits? The top diagnosis for Social Security disability benefits is musculoskeletal disease.
This can include:
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Lupus erythematosus
- Fibromyalgia
- Repetitive stress injuries, such as tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome
The Social Security Administration classifies musculoskeletal injuries separately from diseases.
However, if you consider physical damage from car accidents, falls, and other trauma, this category can also include the following injuries:
- Bone fractures
- Muscle and tendon strains
- Ligament sprains
The leading disability according to the CDC’s study was mobility. Musculoskeletal diseases and injuries contribute to mobility disabilities.
2. Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. It can also be a disability that limits a person’s strength and stamina. Moreover, many heart conditions force patients to restrict their activities to avoid stressing their bodies.
3. Neoplasms
Neoplasms include any benign or malignant growth. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. Additionally, cancer rates are rising, particularly among young adults.
Neoplasms require monitoring. Malignant neoplasms may need surgery and chemotherapy. As a result, a neoplasm and its treatment can disable a patient.
4. Chronic Back Pain
What qualifies for short-term disability? Chronic back pain is a leading cause of missed work days and one of the most common complaints in disability claims. Back pain limits a person’s mobility. It also prevents them from lifting, bending, or twisting.
Back pain can result from congenital diseases like scoliosis. It can also result from wear and tear due to repetitive movements. Many cases result from back trauma caused by incidents like falls and motor vehicle accidents.
5. Intellectual Disabilities
Intellectual disabilities affect a person’s ability to learn new information. These disabilities can interfere with a person’s ability to live independently.
6. Cognitive Disabilities
Cognitive disabilities affect a person’s thinking and logic. These disabilities include Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. However, cognitive disabilities can also result from brain injuries. For example, head trauma from an accident may cause bleeding in the brain that results in permanent brain damage and cognitive disabilities.
7. Mental Diseases
Mental diseases, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, can affect a person’s thoughts and emotions. These diseases can prevent a person from caring for their needs.
8. Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder may result from traumatic events like accidents. These disorders cause disabling symptoms such as flashbacks and social isolation.
9. Neurological and Brain Disorders
Brain injuries and nerve damage can cause physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities. As a result, victims may have difficulty with self-care and independent living.
10. Endocrine Diseases
The endocrine system produces hormones that actuate the body’s functions. These diseases can occur naturally. They can also result from exposure to toxins like pesticides.
Compensation for Disabilities
In some cases, you may seek compensation for disabilities from at-fault parties, workers’ compensation, or the Social Security Administration. The best Social Security disability lawyers can outline your options based on your disability and how it occurred.
Contact Our Northbrook Personal Injuries Law Firm Today
If you were injured in an accident in Northbrook, IL, and need legal help, contact our Northbrook personal injuries lawyers at Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers
601 Skokie Blvd Suite 401
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 513-9582
