Muhammad Ramadan | March 13, 2024 | Personal Injury

What Are the Top 10 Disabilities? 

Disabilities are more common than you might think in the United States, with a wide range of conditions and injuries causing disabilities across the population. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27% of adults (1 in 4) have some type of disability. Disabilities can affect a person’s mobility, mental cognition, vision and hearing, immune systems, and other areas that create hardships in daily life. 

The Social Security Disability Insurance Program tracks claims related to disabilities and has identified the top 10 disabilities qualifying for SSDI in the United States. If you or a loved one suffer from a disability that might qualify for SSDI coverage, it is crucial to speak with a trusted Chicago disability lawyer. 

1. Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Disorders

Nearly 30% of those qualifying for SSDI have musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disorders. The musculoskeletal system includes our bones, ligaments, cartilage, and other connective tissues that keep our bodies functional. 

Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disorders include:

2. Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are claimed by almost 13% of Americans receiving SSDI benefits. Mood disorders can cause anxiety, depression, extreme sadness, irritability, and other emotions that impact a person’s ability to work and complete life’s daily tasks. 

Mood disorders can include: 

3. Nervous System Disorders

The nervous system is what allows different parts of the body to communicate together. When this system is affected by a disorder, the body can’t communicate effectively, and a person suffers dysfunction as a result. 

About 10% of those receiving Social Security Disability benefits have a nervous system disorder, which can include: 

  • Infections such as polio or meningitis 
  • Epilepsy
  • Neuralgia
  • Degenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s Disease
  • Bell’s palsy
  • Brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries

4. Intellectual Disabilities

An intellectual disability can involve limitations in learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and adaptive behavior. 

Intellectual disabilities can include: 

  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
  • Down Syndrome
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS)
  • Developmental delays 

5. Circulatory System Conditions 

The circulatory system distributes blood throughout the body and brings essential nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to cells. 

Circulatory system conditions can arise, and approximately 7% of those with Social Security benefits are impacted by conditions including: 

  • Arrhythmia and dysrhythmia
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Heart attack
  • Heart failure
  • High cholesterol and high blood pressure
  • Peripheral artery disease
  • Stroke

6. Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders affect nearly 5% of those with SSDI benefits. The symptoms of a psychotic disorder can make it difficult to socialize, complete daily tasks, or work at a job. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech. 

7. Other Mental Disorders

Non-psychotic mental disorders affect the body in several ways and can prevent a person from effectively holding a job, socializing, or performing the activities of life. About 4% of those receiving SSDI have a condition described as “other mental disorders”. 

8. Physical Injuries

The Social Security Administration estimates that 3.5% of those receiving disability benefits have a disability caused by injury. 

Physical injuries can result from any number of causes, including: 

Injuries can be life-changing and prevent a person from being able to return to work or even work at all. 

9. Organic Mental Disorders

Organic mental disorders – also known as chronic organic brain syndromes – are brain afflictions that cause extreme psychological or behavioral issues. These conditions can be temporary or permanent. Symptoms of organic mental disorders can include brain function loss, memory loss, and confusion. Organic mental disorders account for about 3% of disabilities that the Social Security Administration sees. 

Common organic mental disorders can include: 

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Dementia
  • Delirium
  • Amnesia

10. Neoplasms 

Neoplasms – what we commonly know as tumors – are uncontrolled, abnormal growths within the body. Neoplasms are caused when cells in the body divide more quickly than they are supposed to. These tumors can range from benign, pre-cancerous, to cancerous. They also can harm the body when their growth affects the body’s organs. 

Neoplasms commonly include fibromas, adenomas, lipomas, and hemangiomas. 

A Chicago Disability Lawyer Can Help You Navigate a Disability Claim

If you or a loved one suffers from a type of disability – even those not listed above – you may be entitled to compensation for your disability. If the disability was the result of an injury caused by someone else, a personal injury lawyer will fight to hold that person responsible and secure full compensation.

Contact Our Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, Illinois, and need legal help, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:

Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers
134 N La Salle St #2160
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 929-2884