Have you recently been the victim of a slip and fall, medical malpractice incident, or other event that resulted in a serious personal injury? If so, you’re probably wondering, “What medical conditions qualify for long-term disability?” Here’s everything you need to know.
What Qualifies For Short-Term Disability vs. Long-Term Disability?
Typically, you may be eligible for short-term disability if you cannot work due to an injury. The requirements for long-term disability are much more stringent, as you’ll have to prove that you can’t perform any job due to the severity of your condition.
Short-term disability is meant to fill the gap in your income while you seek other employment opportunities and recover. Long-term programs provide ongoing (often lifelong) income.
If you need help with a disability issue, don’t just search for “disability lawyers near me.” Instead, carefully vet each option and find the most reputable and experienced lawyer you can. Partnering with the best Social Security disability lawyers can help increase your odds of qualifying for long-term benefits.
10 Most Common Disabilities
Before you request Social Security benefits for a disability, it’s important to understand which types of ailments the administration typically recognizes. According to the Social Security Administration’s 2022 Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program, the 10 most common disabilities are as follows:
1. Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue
The SSA provides disability benefits to nearly nine million people. Of these, 30.1% have some sort of connective tissue or musculoskeletal disorder, making it the most common disability.
2. Depressive, Bipolar, and Related Disorders
Mental illnesses that are classified as bipolar or depressive disorder may also qualify for disability benefits. Approximately 11.9% of individuals who receive SSA disability benefits do so based on one of these ailments.
3. Nervous System and Sense Organs
These types of ailments compose 10.1% of SSA claims. Individuals who have been diagnosed with blindness, neuropathy, and related conditions may qualify.
4. Intellectual Disorders
This category comprises 9% of all disability benefits recipients. It includes conditions such as intellectual disabilities or low IQ, as well as others that may impact someone’s ability to learn and retain information.
5. Circulatory System
Roughly 6.7% of benefits recipients have a disability related to the circulatory system. This category includes a wide range of conditions.
6. Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders
The last major category of named mental illness groups covers schizophrenia and other psychotic conditions. Approximately 4.7% of SSA beneficiaries have one of these disorders.
7. Other Mental Disorders
The SSA recognizes a broad range of mental disorders, many of which don’t fall into any of the specific categories outlined above. People with these other conditions comprise 4.5% of recipients.
8. Injuries
Long-term injuries may qualify you for Social Security disability payments as well. Approximately 3.4% of current beneficiaries qualify due to injury.
9. Neoplasms
A neoplasm is a cancerous or benign mass of tissue that occurs if cells divide faster than they should. Nearly 275,000 people (3.1%) claim benefits due to a neoplasm.
10. Neurocognitive Disorders
People who live with conditions that cause abnormal thinking patterns are often diagnosed with neurocognitive disorders. These conditions affect 3% of SSA beneficiaries.
What Are the Signs That You Will Be Approved For Disability?
Every personal injury case is unique, which is why you should seek a licensed attorney to represent you. A skilled lawyer can help with everything from evaluating your case to filing necessary paperwork and minimizing how long it takes you to start receiving benefits.
Make sure to retain all important medical documents throughout your case. An attorney will need to review them during your consultation.
