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The Most Commonly Asserted Disabling Conditions

By Michelle Shvarts
Principal Attorney

There are many disabling conditions that will qualify a person to receive Social Security disability benefits, whether they be Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To give you a sense of what disabling conditions Social Security benefit receivers are living with, we will review some of the most commonly asserted disabling conditions. Of course, if one of these disabling conditions is the same or comparable to one you yourself have been experiencing, it is likely time or past time for you to consider applying for benefits.

The Most Commonly Asserted Disabling Conditions

Let’s start by taking a look at commonly asserted disabling conditions pertaining to the musculoskeletal system or the connective tissues that is essential to the efficacy of this system. The musculoskeletal system allows the body to walk and move through the world. It is comprised of bones, ligaments, and cartilage, along with connective tissue. Some of the most commonly asserted disabling conditions of the musculoskeletal system include:

  • Arthritis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Scoliosis
  • Herniated discs

Many of the most commonly asserted disabling conditions for Social Security benefit purposes involve diseases that affect the circulatory system. The circulatory system is tasked with bringing essential nutrients and oxygen, as well as hormones, to the cells of our bodies. When disease befalls the circulatory system, the impact can be disabling and, in some cases, fatal. Some of the most commonly asserted disabling conditions related to the circulatory system include:

  • Atherosclerosis arrythmia
  • Heart attack
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke

Next we move to those disabling conditions that can plague the nervous system, a system essential for the areas of the body to effectively communicate to one another. The brain is, of course, a key part of the nervous system which is also comprised of nerves, sensory organs and the spinal cord. Common disabling conditions which are nervous system disorders include:

  • Bell’s palsy
  • Epilepsy
  • Meningitis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Neuralgia
  • Polio

Mood disorders are also commonly asserted disabling conditions for Social Security disability benefits purposes. After all, a mood disorder can cause a person to feel extreme sadness as well as other impacts that may prevent them from maintaining gainful employment. Some of the most prominent mood disorders that arise in the Social Security disability context include bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Lastly, there are some commonly asserted disabling conditions that are intellectual disabilities. Intellectual disabilities can prevent a person from adapting to new situations, solving problems, and reasoning through things. Some such disabilities can inhibit communication as well as the ability to retain information. Examples of disabling intellectual disabilities include:

  • Down syndrome
  • Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
  • Fragile X syndrome.

Disability Attorney

Do you have an illness or condition which prevents you from substantially gainful activity? Do not delay in reaching out to Disability Advocates for assistance. We can counsel you throughout the Social Security disability application process. Contact us today.

About the Author
Ms. Shvarts is the managing attorney for Disability Advocates Group. She opened Disability Advocates Group to assist individuals who became disabled and unable to work to obtain the benefits they need and deserve.  Ms. Shvarts and the rest of the team at Disability Advocates Group are dedicated to assisting individuals obtain Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.