TOP 5 DISABILITIES THAT THE SSA APPROVES MOST
If you are filing an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then you may wonder what top 5 disabilities the SSA approves most. Understanding this can help you see where your claim fits in. The truth is, there is no single list that guarantees approval. The SSA evaluates every claim based on how your medical conditions prevent you from working.
To apply for SSDI and SSI benefits, you can visit the Social Security website. There you will find a step by step guide on how to file an application for benefits. You should start your application for benefits as soon as possible. Because benefits cannot be awarded unless you apply for them. Every day that you wait to file your application is a day that you are losing money.
The law requires SSA to evaluate the combined impact of all your severe medical conditions. However, certain medical conditions consistently account for the largest share of approvals. Social Security’s own data shows that a few categories stand out. Not only because they are easier to prove, but also because they cause significant symptoms that prevent people from working. The following top five categories account for the largest number of SSDI and SSI benefit awards.
NUMBER 1: MUSCULOSKELETAL AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDERS
Musculoskeletal disorders make up the largest group of the top 5 disabilities. Social Security’s data shows that about 30 percent of all people who receive SSD benefits fall under this category. This group covers a wide range of conditions that affect bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues.
These medical conditions include osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and degenerative disc disease. They also include spinal cord injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and amputations. Back problems are by far the leading award in the top 5 disabilities. This should come as no surprise. Many workers develop these conditions after years of heavy lifting or injuries on the job. Additionally, many people suffer from multiple conditions at the same time.
But having a diagnosis is not enough. SSA will look at whether you can walk, stand, lift, sit, and perform other basic work tasks. For back problems, SSA uses Listings 1.15 through 1.21. For example, Listing 1.16 covers lumbar spinal stenosis that causes chronic pain and limits your ability to walk without two canes or a walker. But very few people meet the listing. More often, you must prove that your pain or weakness keeps you from working any job, not just your old job.
Many people with musculoskeletal conditions also have other related problems. Chronic pain can lead to depression, sleep disorders, or fatigue. Fibromyalgia is one condition that often combines with other issues. It causes widespread pain, tender points, and extreme fatigue. SSA does not have a specific listing for fibromyalgia. Instead, your lawyer must show that your symptoms equal another listing. Or, she must show that the combination of your medical conditions make it impossible for you to work.
NUMBER 2: MOOD DISORDERS
Mood disorders as the second most common category among the top 5 disabilities. About 15 percent of people qualify for benefits because of mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder.
Mood disorders can affect every part of your life. They can disrupt your ability to concentrate, remember tasks, and interact with other people. Many people with depression or bipolar disorder cannot maintain the pace or productivity required at work. They also can’t maintain proper attendance. For example, you may be late for work or miss work altogether. Even if you can complete simple tasks at home, it does not mean you can work a regular day, five days a week.
For depression, SSA uses Listing 12.04. To meet this listing, your medical records must show symptoms like low energy and feelings of low worth. You probably also have difficulty sleeping and can’t focus. You must also show “marked” limitations in at least two areas of mental function. These areas include understanding information, dealing with others, concentration, and managing yourself.
Bipolar disorder is a severe condition that causes extreme mood swings and rash behavior. It also creates difficulty with relationships. The symptoms can lead to repeated job losses. You might also have had frequent hospital stays. Some people do not stick with their treatment plan because of the disorder itself. Others have side effects from medications that make it impossible to work.
Depression and anxiety often appear alongside physical conditions. For example, someone with chronic back pain may develop depression because they cannot work and take care of their family. SSA must look at all your conditions together. If your physical and mental conditions combine to make you miss work, then you may qualify for SSD benefits.
NUMBER 3: NERVOUS SYSTEM AND SENSE ORGANS DISORDERS
Nervous system and sense organs disorders rank third on the list of the top 5 disabilities. About 9 percent of those who receive SSD benefits qualify under this category.
Some examples of nervous system disorders are epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy. Other examples are amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, in this category are strokes and disorders that cause severe vision or hearing loss. Each condition is different, but they all interfere with your brain, nerves, or senses.
SSA uses Listing 11.02 for epilepsy. For that listing, you must show you have ongoing seizures despite taking your medication. Your medical records should document the frequency of your seizures. Witness statements can help if you have convulsions that happen at night or without warning.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease. It can cause weakness, vision problems, and difficulty walking. Some people have “good” days and “bad” days, which makes it hard to hold down steady work. Listing 11.09 covers MS. But you can also qualify for benefits based on your “residual functional capacity” if you do not meet the listing.
Strokes fall under Listing 11.04. After a stroke, many people have long term weakness on one side of their body. They may also have trouble speaking, memory loss, or problems with concentration. Even small tasks like getting dressed or making simple decisions can become difficult. The SSA looks at how long these problems last and whether you are likely to improve enough to return to work.
This group also includes blindness and hearing loss. If you have partial vision or hearing, then the SSA will consider whether assistive devices help enough for you to work.
NUMBER 4: CIRCULATORY SYSTEM DISORDERS
Circulatory system disorders, such as heart disease, are also among the top 5 disabilities. They account for about 8 percent of SSDI approvals. These conditions include coronary artery disease and chronic heart failure. It also includes peripheral vascular disease, strokes, and other problems that affect blood flow and heart function.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the US. But, SSD claims for cardiac conditions can be tough to win. Many people struggle to prove how fatigue and chest pain limit them. Judges sometimes assume you can still do a desk job. But people who spent years doing hard physical work often do not have the skills or stamina for an office job.
Social Security uses Listing 4.02 for heart failure and Listing 4.04 for ischemic heart disease. Meeting a listing requires detailed medical testing like stress tests and EKGs. Progress notes should explain your symptoms during daily activities. For example, do you get short of breath walk walking up stairs? Or, do you have chest pain when you walk one block?
Many people with heart disease become short of breath and have chest pain or swollen legs. These symptoms can worsen with physical activity or simply sitting upright for long periods. Your medical evidence should show how your condition impacts your daily life. If you cannot walk far, climb stairs, or lift objects, SSA should consider that.
Heart disease is also linked to other problems. For example, some people develop anxiety due to their physical limits and fear of another heart attack. SSA must consider these mental health effects too.
NUMBER 5: SCHIZOPHRENIA AND OTHER PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS
Rounding out the top five disabilities are schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. This group represents almost 5 percent of all SSDI awards.
Schizophrenia typically develops in early adulthood, often before age 30. It can cause hallucinations, disorganized speech, and paranoia. Most importantly, it also causes severe social anxiety. Many people with schizophrenia cannot hold a job, maintain relationships, or manage their daily needs without help.
Listing 12.03 covers schizophrenia. To meet the listing under step three, you must show that your symptoms have lasted for at least two years. You must also show your symptoms cause extreme or marked limitations in your mental function. Some people with schizophrenia have multiple hospital stays and trouble sticking with treatment. They may also have problems with substance abuse. Substance use can make it hard to win your case. The SSA can deny a mental health claim if they believe substance abuse is the main problem. However, the SSA must look at whether your mental condition itself would keep you from working, even if you stopped using drugs or alcohol.
These cases are often difficult because there may be a lack of consistent treatment records. Some people with schizophrenia do not recognize they are sick. They may refuse medication, miss appointments, or avoid doctors altogether. This can make the SSD claim process challenging.
Family support is crucial. Testimony from parents, siblings, or caregivers can help prove the extent of your daily abilities. Group home records, hospital records, and progress notes from mental health providers also help build a strong case.
CONTACT US FOR HELP WITH YOUR SSD BENEFITS
An SSD attorney can help you learn about filing for SSDI and SSI benefits. Working with an attorney will help you create a strong case. If you hire our SSD law firm, then we make sure your application for benefits is complete.
Likewise, we will appeal any SSA denial. We will also help you collect your medical records. Also, we will prepare you testify at your hearing. At your hearing, we also question the experts. The judge may hire a medical expert (ME) and vocational expert (VE) to the hearing.
Normally, the medical expert testifies about whether your medical condition meets or equals a listing. You will need an attorney to question the medical expert or object to testimony from the expert. The judge can also call a VE. The VE’s testimony will be about the kind of jobs you might be able to do with your physical and mental conditions. Learn why a VE attends your hearing.
Applying for benefits can be a difficult process. Hiring a legal team with experience to help you through the process is a great choice. This will make the application process easier for you. It will also help you win at the hearing. If you think you need the assistance of a law firm, then let us help you. Additionally, we offer a free review of your case. It costs you nothing to call and ask your questions.
HOW WILL YOU PAY THE ATTORNEY FEE?
We will use our legal skills to help you through the SSA appeal process. It is our goal to win your SSD benefits. But, it also our goal to make filing for SSD benefits easier for you. If you call, then there is no pressure to become a client. You can simply ask questions. Even if we don’t accept your case, we will still try to help you.
It also doesn’t cost you any upfront money to hire us. Why? Because you only pay us an attorney fee if we win your case. If we win your benefits, then you pay us out of your past due payment. If you do not win, then you do not pay an attorney fee.
How much is the fee? It is 25% of your back benefit. However, there is a fee cap set at $9200 by the SSA. 25% of your back benefit is usually less than the cap. You will pay whatever amount is less between the cap and 25% and only if we win your case. Therefore, you have nothing to lose by hiring the best SSD law firm to help you.
WHY IT MATTERS TO KNOW THE TOP 5 DISABILITIES
Understanding which conditions the SSA approves most often can help you see where your claim stands. Obviously, it is helpful to have a medical condition that is in the top 5 disabilities. But it is not necessary in order to win your case. Remember, every claim is unique. You do not have to “choose” a single medical condition to win your case. The law requires the SSA to look at the combined effect of all your severe conditions.
Additionally, treatment for your medical conditions gives you the greatest chance of winning benefits. Those that fail to go the doctor do not win benefits. If you have a good relationship with your doctor, then that will help you win your case. Your doctor can write letters on your behalf.
If you have questions about whether your disability qualifies for Social Security benefits, then our office can help. We know how to build a strong case. We also know how to develop the medical evidence and present it effectively to an SSA Judge. Contact our SSD law firm to schedule a free review of your case.
Our lawyers understand how hard it is to prove disability. We gather the your medical evidence and work closely with your doctors. Finally, we build strong arguments to show the SSA why you cannot work. We are here to help. Contact us today. Let our legal team fight for the benefits you deserve.
