There are many reasons that people may need to apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Whether the result of illness or injury, a disability can be nearly impossible to manage without help from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, some causes are disproportionately seen in applicants for disability benefits. Here are five of the most common reasons people make SSDI or SSI disability claims:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- The term “musculoskeletal disorders” refers to any condition that affects the muscles or skeletal system. Most commonly, this refers to arthritis, but it can also include back pain from a slipped disc or sciatica, as well as fibromyalgia. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is also another commonly cited issue, which is a type of chronic pain that commonly appears after heart attacks, strokes, or surgery.
- Mental health disorders
- Mental health disorders are some of the most commonly cited causes for disability claims. Though most don’t have obvious physical symptoms, they can nevertheless be just as disabling as any physical injury or illness. This can include major depression, generalized anxiety issues, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or any other severe psychological problem.
- Cardiovascular problems
- Problems with the heart and lungs are also common sources for SSDI and SSI disability claims. While many of these conditions are manageable with treatment, others can make many kinds of work difficult or impossible. Heart attacks and heart disease are some of the biggest culprits, as are angina and hypertension (high blood pressure). Severe breathing problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, may also cause long-term problems resulting in disability claims.
- Cancer
- Despite how severe cancer can be, people do not often think of having cancer as a disability. And yet, cancers are some of the most common reasons people make disability claims every single year. That being said, not every cancer diagnosis will result in a disability that qualifies for SSDI or SSI benefits. Instead, cancer that is aggressive, inoperable, recurrent, or which has metastasized may be suitable grounds for disability claims.
- Neurological and sensory organ disorders
- Problems with people’s nervous systems or sensory organs are also common causes for disabilities. This broad category includes most types of blindness and deafness, as well as congenital conditions like epilepsy. It also includes progressive neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
