Top 5 Disabilities For Social Security Disability Benefits

July 31, 2024

There are various conditions and injuries that can cause many disabilities that qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits. While there are too many disabilities to list, we would like to share the top 5 disabilities according to the SSA (Social Security Administration).

1. Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue

Social Security Disability Benefits

Since the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues comprise a huge part of our physical bodies, it makes sense that the disorders affecting these systems are numerous. Some of these disorders include:

Musculoskeletal system disorders can make it near-impossible to work. Since these conditions can severely affect everyday life, many people are affected by them.

2. Mood Disorders

Mood disorders made up 12.9% of those receiving Social Security Disability benefits. Mood disorders can include:

Bipolar disorder
Major depressive disorder
Cyclothymic disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
Depression related to mental illness
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Many times, distortion of one’s mood or emotions is a sign of a mood disorder. Feelings of irritability, extreme sadness or emptiness, depression, and anxiety can significantly affect one’s ability to work.

3. Nervous System and Sense Organs

The nervous system helps all the body parts communicate and is responsible for decision-making. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, sensory organs, and nerves. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, some examples of nervous system disorders include:

Infections like meningitis and polio
Functional disorders like epilepsy and neuralgia
Degenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
Structural disorders like Bell’s palsy and brain or spinal cord injuries

Individuals with these types of disorders comprise 9.7% of those receiving Social Security Disability benefits.

4. Intellectual Disabilities

According to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disorders (AAIDD), an intellectual disability involves limitations in learning, reasoning, and problem-solving as well as adaptive behavior.

Intellectual disabilities can make it challenging to learn new information, retain information, as well as verbally communicate.

Some types of intellectual disabilities include:

Many times, intellectual disabilities begin in early childhood and are hard to detect or diagnose. Early intervention is key to providing services that may decrease the symptoms and effects of these intellectual disabilities.

5. Circulatory System

The circulatory system serves a vital role as it brings nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to the body’s cells. It also takes waste products out of the body. Also known as the cardiovascular system, the circulatory system contains arteries that carry blood away from the heart and veins that carry blood back to the heart. Circulatory system diseases disrupt this process and make up 7% of those on disability.

Common diseases that affect the circulatory system include:

The medical conditions mentioned in this article are not exclusive and are ever-growing and ever-changing. Keeping up to date on these and other issues that may qualify as disabilities can be time-consuming as well as confusing. The attorneys at Parmele Law Firm have a combined 120-plus years of experience in Social Security disability law and are ready to help those who may need assistance with an existing claim or beginning a claim.

Do not attempt to navigate this process alone. Contact PLF at 866-889-2570 to schedule your no-cost consultation. You can also contact us online for more information.