Meyers Personal Injury Law | June 16, 2025 | Personal Injury
Disabilities can affect people in many ways, sometimes limiting mobility, cognition, or mental wellness. While conditions vary widely, specific health issues are more likely to qualify someone for disability benefits based on their frequency and the degree to which they impact daily life.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the following are the ten most common disabilities cited in benefit claims nationwide.
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders are the most frequently reported disability, making up nearly one-third of all claims.
Common conditions include:
- Arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Scoliosis
- Herniated discs
- Broken bones
Long-term strain, accidents, or aging often cause these issues.
2. Mood Disorders
Mood disorders account for a substantial amount of disability claims.
Examples of different mood disorders may include:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder)
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
These conditions can impair concentration and communication.
3. Nervous System Disorders
Disorders affecting the nervous system can interfere with brain function, motor control, and sensory perception. These conditions may be genetic, degenerative, or caused by injury.
They include:
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cerebral palsy
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Some of these conditions are progressive and require long-term care.
4. Intellectual Disabilities
Intellectual disabilities usually start during childhood and often impact a person’s learning, reasoning, and decision-making.
Some common examples include:
- Down syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
- Fragile X syndrome
These individuals will often qualify for disability benefits, especially when their condition severely limits their day-to-day functioning.
5. Circulatory System Conditions
Disorders that impact the heart and blood vessels can be life-altering.
Some of the most common types include:
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Hypertension-related damage
These conditions can increase the risk of further health decline and may limit a person’s ability to perform physically demanding tasks.
6. Mental Disorders
Mental disorders make it difficult for a person to distinguish between what is real and what is not.
Common mental disorders may include:
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Delusional disorder
These conditions can often significantly impact an individual’s ability to function normally daily and maintain steady employment.
7. Other Mental Health Conditions
There are additional mental health conditions frequently cited in disability claims. They include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Mental health conditions can often be “invisible” to others but still impact a person’s quality of life and ability to work.
8. Physical Injuries
Accidents on the road, in the workplace, or at home can result in disabling injuries. Examples of injuries that may cause long-term disability include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Limb loss
- Severe burns
- Repetitive motion injuries
Injury-related disabilities are common in fields like construction, manufacturing, and transportation.
9. Organic Mental Disorders
Also known as chronic organic brain syndromes, these disorders involve a loss of cognitive function due to a physical condition or disease affecting the brain.
They include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Dementia
- Amnesia
- Delirium
These conditions are more common in older adults and often lead to the need for full-time care or supervision.
10. Neoplasms (Tumors)
Neoplasms are abnormal growths that may be benign or malignant. When cancer or other aggressive tumors affect vital organs or the immune system, it can limit someone’s ability to work.
Types of neoplasms that can cause disability include:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Brain tumors
- Breast or lung cancer
Advanced-stage cancer is one of the few conditions that may qualify for expedited disability approval under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowance program.
Contact Our Nashville Personal Injury Law Firm Today at Meyers Personal Injury Law
Living with a disability can be overwhelming, but knowing the most common conditions can help individuals seek appropriate support. Whether caused by an accident, a chronic illness, or a progressive condition, the impact of disability is real, and help is available.
If you were injured in an accident in Nashville or Brentwood and need legal help, contact our Nashville personal injury lawyers at Meyers Personal Injury Law to schedule a free case review today.
Meyers Personal Injury Law Nashville
1308 Rosa L Parks Blvd Suite 101,
Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 258-9000
Meyers Personal Injury Law Brentwood
105 Continental Pl Suite 100,
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 258-9000
