The Social Security Administration (SSA) provided monetary benefits to more than 64 million Americans in 2020. The number remains somewhat consistent every year — but recently, there has been a rise in disabled people joining the workforce. However, many still rely on SSDI benefits for monthly income. Every year, more than 10 million Americans receive disability benefits.
The SSA has its own definition of what constitutes a “disability.” It reviews applications for SSDI benefits based on whether the applicant’s disability fits the definition. To qualify, your type of disability must be on the administration’s impairments listing. Here are some of the most commonly qualified types of disabilities.
1. Severe Mental Disorders
There are 11 main categories of mental disorders listed on SSA’s website. These account for roughly 17-20% of all qualified diagnoses. Among these, mood disorders like anxiety and depression, psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, stress disorders like PTSD, and syndromes like autism and Asperger’s are the most commonly-qualified ones. All of these disorders require a proper diagnosis and doctor’s documentation.
2. Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders and conditions that heavily impact a person’s mobility and ability to work are highly considered in SSDI applications. More than 30% of applicants have disabilities in this category. All of these disorders cause immense pain in muscles and bones — thus, restricting movement. They include arthritis, scoliosis, degenerative disk disease, fibromyalgia, disc rupture, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), etc.
3. Cardiovascular Conditions
About 8-10% of the qualified disabilities have to do with cardiovascular system conditions. These include conditions like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, congenital heart defects, etc. To qualify for this disability, you need to prove it based on symptoms, doctor’s reports, and documentation.
4. Cancer
The SSA considers the malignant neoplastic diseases in the cancer category. They are termed as “neoplasms” which are commonly known as tumors. Between 5-10% of all qualified diagnoses for disability benefits have to do with neoplastic diseases.
5. Nervous System Conditions
Nervous system conditions include all the conditions which limit a person’s cognition and may affect their mobility as a result. Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, sciatica, etc. account for more than 10.5% of all qualified disability applications. To qualify for these disorders, you need to submit medical and non-medical evidence.
Work with a Social Security Disability Attorney
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