According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, nearly 29% of Americans report that they have a disability. These disabilities can cause significant physical, mental, and financial hardships. They may also present challenges to family members who must care for the disabled person.
Defining Disability
There is no easy way to identify the top disabilities because “disability” has different meanings depending on the context. Workers’ compensation law often determines what qualifies for short-term disability after truck accidents and other work-related incidents.
By contrast, the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines what medical conditions qualify for long-term disability. Under the SSA’s definition, you must have a medical condition lasting at least one year or have a terminal diagnosis to receive disability benefits.
Some signs that you will be approved for disability by SSA include:
- A condition that prevents you from all substantial gainful activity
- A job where you paid Social Security taxes
- An inability to train for a different type of work
If you meet these qualifications, you have a disability. Using these varying standards, several common conditions qualify as disabilities.
1. Chronic Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common physical complaints and the basis of many workers’ compensation claims. Chronic back pain can result from a congenital condition such as scoliosis. It can also happen in a car accident or other traumatic event that damages the structures in your back, such as the discs or ligaments.
2. Musculoskeletal Diseases
Musculoskeletal diseases are common because they encompass many chronic conditions like arthritis and autoimmune diseases that attack the joints and muscles. The SSA classifies musculoskeletal diseases separately from injuries.
3. Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries include ligament sprains, tendon and muscle strains, and fractured bones. These injuries occur when the body experiences forces powerful enough to damage its structures. They can also happen when the body twists or bends unnaturally, hyperextending the soft tissues.
4. Mental Illnesses
Some mental illnesses result from chemical imbalances in the brain. Others result from emotional trauma that rewires the brain. Still others may result from lesions in the brain due to traumatic brain injuries. Treatment for these illnesses is sometimes possible using therapy and medication.
5. Cognitive Disabilities
Cognitive disabilities can result from birth injuries, accidents, and dementia. They can include symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, and difficulty with problem-solving. These disabilities often have no cure. As a result, patients may need a caretaker.
6. Intellectual Disabilities
People with intellectual disabilities have a limited ability to learn or apply new knowledge and skills. These disabilities can result from congenital or traumatic brain damage. For example, if someone suffers a near-drowning, the lack of oxygen may damage the areas of the brain responsible for learning and memory.
7. Endocrine Diseases
The endocrine system produces and reads the chemical messages carried by hormones. These diseases are a growing problem because of the increase in diabetes in the U.S. Additionally, many toxic chemicals are endocrine disruptors that interfere with the endocrine system and lead to cancers and metabolic problems.
8. Heart Disease
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S. It also causes disabling conditions by limiting the patient’s strength and stamina.
9. Cancer
Cancer is also a leading cause of death. Terminal cancer qualifies as a disability under the SSA’s definition. Non-terminal cancer can also produce disabilities, particularly when the patient must undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
10. Nerve Damage
Nerves carry sensory signals to the brain and motor signals to the body. Nerve damage can cause paralysis and loss of sensation, including deafness or blindness. Unfortunately, most types of nerve damage are irreversible, producing permanent disabilities.
Consult an Experienced Attorney to Learn More About Disability Compensation
Disabling conditions interfere with your ability to work or care for yourself. Understanding the top disabilities according to various criteria helps you determine the compensation you can seek for them. If you are dealing with a disability, it is crucial to consult an attorney to learn more about the compensation you can receive.
