What Are The Top 10 Disabilities?

July 3, 2024 | Sagi Shaked | Personal Injury

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in four U.S. adults is living with some type of disability. Not all disabilities are visible, and not all disabilities qualify an individual for receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). For example, dyslexia is categorized as a learning disability, but having dyslexia doesn’t have to prevent a person from pursuing their career goals.

To qualify for SSDI, your medical condition must meet the definitions of disability set forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Before searching “disability lawyers near me,” it’s important to review the definitions of disability and learn if your situation qualifies you for assistance.

The Most Common Disabilities That Qualify for SSDI

There are several ways a person can become disabled. For example, a person may be born with a disability or develop a disability after a workplace accident or motor vehicle crash. Older Americans are at greater risk for having a disability than those under the age of 64.

The disabilities that are most likely to qualify an individual to receive financial assistance are not necessarily the most common.

The disabilities that are most frequently approved by the Social Security Administration include:

Arthritis
Heart disease
Degenerative disc disease
Respiratory illness
Mental illnesses
Cancer
Stroke
Nervous system disorders
Diabetes
Immune system disorders

In general, a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months may qualify you to receive benefits.

The signs that you will be approved for disability can be difficult to interpret. If you meet the SSA’s definition of disability and you have in-depth medical documentation to support your case, you will have a better chance. Hiring an experienced disability lawyer is also essential.

An experienced lawyer knows how to navigate the complicated process of SSDI approval. The best Social Security disability lawyers can gather key evidence on your behalf and work to build a strong case so that you receive the assistance you deserve.

Long-Term Disability Vs. Short-Term Disability

Both long- and short-term disability insurance covers part of your income if you become unable to work. Short-term benefits pay 40 to 70% of an individual’s salary for a few months, while long-term benefits can compensate approximately 60% of a person’s gross annual income and continue for at least two years or until the person retires.

What Qualifies for Short-Term Disability?

Short-term disability is for people who are only temporarily unable to work because of pregnancy, illness, or an injury, such as from a slip and fall accident.

Examples of issues that may qualify for short-term aid include:

Mental health
Severe injury, such as back injury
Accident or surgery recovery
Severe illness, such as COVID or cancer
Pregnancy or childbirth

Recovery from elective surgeries — any surgeries not considered medically necessary — may not qualify for SSDI.

What Medical Conditions Qualify for Long-Term Disability?

The standards for qualifying for long-term disability are stringent. Conditions that qualify an individual for SSDI must be ongoing.

In addition to the top ten examples, some conditions that may qualify for long-term coverage include:

Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease
Traumatic brain injury

Before applying for SSDI, make sure to seek medical care. You will need an initial and progress report from a qualified healthcare provider to begin the qualification process.

Do You Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Living with a disability is already difficult enough; fighting for the financial assistance you deserve shouldn’t be complicated. If you believe you qualify for short- or long-term SSDI, speaking to a seasoned disability lawyer is crucial. An attorney can offer valuable guidance and effectively navigate these complexities while you focus on your health.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Miami, FL

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL, and need legal help, contact our Miami personal injury lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191