Mayfield Law, LLC | March 21, 2025 | Personal Injury

What Are the Top 10 Disabilities?

A disability can dramatically impact a person’s life, from their ability to work and perform daily tasks to their mental health. The Social Security Administration tracks the most common disabilities. Here are the 10 that most frequently qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

1. Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders account for a significant percentage of SSDI and personal injury claims. They affect the bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissue. 

Common musculoskeletal disorders include:

  • Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Scoliosis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Spinal injuries

These conditions often lead to issues with chronic pain and mobility. 

2. Mental Disorders

Mental health difficulties are often just as debilitating (if not more so) as physical impairments. 

Common mental disorders that often qualify for disability benefits include:

  • Major depressive disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety disorders

Individuals who struggle with severe mental disorders may find it difficult to engage in normal activities or maintain employment.

3. Nervous System Disorders

Nervous system disorders cause issues with the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. 

Some examples include:

Damage to nervous tissues often leads to impairments in movement, cognition, and sensory functions.

4. Cardiovascular Diseases

Conditions that impact the heart and vascular system can have life-threatening implications. 

Common cardiovascular diseases include:

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart failure
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Peripheral artery disease

These diseases can result in restricted mobility, fatigue, and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or even death.

5. Severe Injuries

While many injuries are simple and heal quickly, others can become long-term disabilities that hamper a person’s ability to perform routine tasks or continue working. 

Examples of severe injuries that might qualify for disability benefits include:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Loss of limbs
  • Severe burns

These injuries are seen frequently in personal injury cases and often require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.

6. Neoplasms (Tumors and Cancer)

A neoplasm is an abnormal growth that can be either benign or malignant (cancerous).

Types of neoplasms that are eligible for SSDI benefits include:

  • Lung cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Brain tumors
  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma

Cancer and other aggressive growths can greatly endanger an individual’s health, especially when they spread or require treatment.

7. Respiratory Illnesses

Chronic respiratory conditions affect the lungs and make it more difficult to breathe, which can limit physical activity and increase fatigue. 

A few respiratory diseases that qualify for disability benefits include: 

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Asthma
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Cystic fibrosis 

Lifestyle adjustments and regular medical attention are often necessary to manage these diseases.

8. Intellectual Disabilities

When issues with cognitive function, learning, and problem-solving skills manifest, it’s often due to an intellectual disability, such as:

  • Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
  • Fragile X syndrome
  • Prader-Willi syndrome
  • Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

These conditions make it difficult for those affected to live independently or support themselves.

Diabetes is a group of diseases that interfere with the body’s metabolism. 

It can lead to severe complications, including:

  • Neuropathy (nerve damage)
  • Retinopathy (vision loss)
  • Kidney failure
  • Amputation due to poor circulation

Careful monitoring and prompt medical intervention are often required to prevent symptoms from worsening. 

10. Chronic Pain Disorders

Living with chronic pain can make it impossible to work or perform basic tasks. 

Examples of chronic pain disorders include: 

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  • Chronic migraines
  • Reflex sympathetic dystrophy 

Long-term treatments may be necessary to manage these ailments effectively. 

Millions of Americans live with disabilities that impact their daily lives. Conditions like musculoskeletal disorders, mental illnesses, nervous system disorders, and respiratory diseases are among the most common causes of disability. Understanding these conditions can help those affected secure the benefits they need to support their well-being.

If you or someone you love are dealing with a disability, it is crucial to consult an experienced attorney who can help you pursue any benefits you may be entitled to.

Contact the Nahunta Personal Injury Lawyers of Mayfield Law, LLC for Help Today

For more information, contact Mayfield Law, LLC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Brunswick, GA, Nahunta, GA, as well as Glynn County and Brantley County. We’re here to offer trusted, compassionate legal guidance. Let us help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

Mayfield Law, LLC Brunswick
1611 Union St
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 457-8557

Mayfield Law, LLC Nahunta
13903 E Cleveland St
Nahunta, GA 31553
(912) 457-8557