According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 13.4% of all Americans, including adults and children, have a disability.

Disabilities cause severe financial and quality-of-life hardships for patients and their families. In some cases, monetary compensation may be available through Social Security, workers’ compensation, or personal injury claims.

The Top Disabilities in the U.S. and South Carolina

There are many ways of measuring the top 10 disabilities in the U.S. and South Carolina. These measurements often reflect the reason for determining the disability. For example, deciding what qualifies for short-term disability is important for workers’ compensation. However, the definition of a short-term disability isn’t used for Social Security benefits.

What medical conditions qualify for long-term disability from the Social Security Administration (SSA)? The agency recognizes most conditions that prevent the sufferer from performing gainful work, last at least one year, or have a terminal diagnosis. Thus, the signs that you will be approved for disability depend on the benefits you’re seeking.

The broadest definition of disability comes from the Census Bureau. It includes any health condition that interferes with the following:

  • Hearing
  • Vision
  • Mobility
  • Cognition
  • Self-care
  • Independent living

This definition includes disabilities caused by disease or accidents. As such, you may qualify as disabled whether your difficulties arose from an illness, birth defect, or injury.

Here are some of the top disabilities that fall under the Census Bureau’s definition:

Musculoskeletal Disease

The SSA tracks the diagnoses of those receiving benefits. The most common disability among recipients is musculoskeletal disease. This category includes arthritis, scoliosis, and other diseases and deformities that affect the bones and soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system. The SSA doesn’t include musculoskeletal injuries in this category.

Back Pain

Back pain is the most common cause of missed work. It’s also a leading cause of workers’ compensation cases. These injuries can occur in car accidents, workplace accidents, and falls. They include spine injuries like fractured vertebrae, muscle strain, and herniated discs.

Cognitive Disabilities

Cognitive disabilities affect a person’s problem-solving, attention span, or memory. They can result from congenital causes, such as birth injuries or genetic defects. A traumatic brain injury from a fall or near-drowning could cause brain tissue death and long-term cognitive disabilities.

Mental Illness

Mental illness can result from chemical imbalances and genetic abnormalities. The most prevalent mental illnesses the SSA tracks are depressive and bipolar disorders. These conditions can interfere with both self-care and independent living.

Emotional Disabilities

An emotional disability can arise from physical causes, such as brain injuries. It can also result from emotional distress and trauma. For example, a person may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic accident.

Endocrine Conditions

The endocrine system regulates the body’s hormones. Endocrine conditions can result from exposure to toxins. For example, some pesticides and industrial chemicals can disrupt hormonal activity, producing tumors, thyroid issues, and other health issues.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in South Carolina. It can also cause disabilities that affect a person’s stamina and strength due to poor circulation.

Cancer

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in South Carolina. The SSA considers terminal diseases, including terminal cancers, to be disabilities. However, patients may suffer disabilities even when they survive. Cancer treatments can affect a person’s ability to care for their needs and live independently.

Respiratory Disease

The risk of respiratory disease has decreased with a drop in smoking rates and improved air quality. However, respiratory diseases like lung cancer and COPD still affect millions of Americans. Since the body requires oxygen for metabolism, respiratory diseases can affect mobility, self-care, and independent living.

Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders include nerve damage and spinal cord injuries. They also encompass certain autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks nerve tissue. These disorders can affect cognition and mobility, among other things.

Getting Help With Disabilities

Disabled Americans can often seek legal and financial help with their disabilities. Search “disability lawyers near me” to learn more about the benefits you can pursue.

Contact Our Charleston Personal Injury Law Firm Today

If you were injured in an accident in Charleston, SC, and need legal help, contact our Charleston personal injury lawyer at Ty Robinson Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.

Ty Robinson Law Firm
28 Broad St Suite 204-2
Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 278-2222