What Are the Top 10 Disabilities That Qualify for Benefits?

Under U.S. law, a person qualifies for disability benefits if they have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death—and if the condition prevents substantial gainful activity. This legal standard applies whether you're seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

According to the Social Security Administration’s 2022 Annual Statistical Report, here are the top 10 disabilities that most commonly lead to benefits approval.

1. Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Disorders

Percentage of recipients: 34.1%
Approximate cases: Nearly 2.6 million

These impairments primarily affect mobility and physical function and include:

• Fibromyalgia
• Spinal disorders
• Degenerative disc disease
• Scoliosis
• Ruptured disc
• Arthritis

Many of these conditions result in chronic pain and limited movement, preventing individuals from working in physically demanding roles.

2. Depression, Bipolar Disorder & Mood Disorders

Percentage of recipients: 12.7%
Approximate cases: ~1 million

Mood disorders like major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder can make it incredibly difficult to maintain employment. These often co-occur with other conditions, further complicating eligibility and treatment.

3. Nervous System and Sense Organ Disorders

Percentage of recipients: 10%
Approximate cases: 760,000+

These conditions impact brain and nerve function and include:

• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Bell’s palsy
• Brain and spinal cord injuries

4. Circulatory System Disorders

Percentage of recipients: 7.6%
Approximate cases: 580,000+

These life-altering conditions impair the heart and vascular system, including:

• Heart attacks
• Congestive heart failure
• Strokes
• Irregular heart rhythms (dysrhythmia)

5. Other Mental Disorders

Percentage of recipients: 4.4%
Approximate cases: 338,000+

This category covers mental health conditions not otherwise specified—like certain anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and adjustment disorders.

6. Schizophrenia Spectrum & Psychotic Disorders

Percentage of recipients: 4.4%
Approximate cases: 332,000+

Disabling symptoms of schizophrenia include:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorganized thoughts or behavior
• Impaired social function

These conditions can severely impair the ability to communicate, concentrate, and maintain employment.

7. Intellectual Disorders

Percentage of recipients: 3.8%
Approximate cases: 292,000+

Intellectual disabilities limit a person’s capacity for:

• Learning
• Problem-solving
• Adapting to daily tasks
  Often present from childhood, these conditions may qualify a person for long-term disability benefits.

8. Injuries

Percentage of recipients: 3.7%
Approximate cases: 287,000+

Serious injuries from car accidents, slip and falls, or workplace incidents can result in:

• Permanent mobility issues
• Nerve damage
• Amputation
• Paralysis

These cases often involve personal injury lawsuits in addition to disability claims.

9. Neoplasms (Tumors)

Percentage of recipients: 3.5%
Approximate cases: 265,000+

Neoplasms include benign and malignant tumors. While cancer treatments can be successful, the side effects and related conditions often qualify patients for SSDI or SSI.

10. Neurocognitive Disorders

📊 Percentage of recipients: 3%
🧠 Approximate cases: 225,000+

These include:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Vascular dementia
• Other cognitive impairments

Such conditions make it difficult to remember, learn new things, or make decisions—often requiring full-time care or supervision.

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