If you’re hesitant about applying for disability benefits, then you’re not alone. Millions of people across the United States can tell you how painstakingly long and meticulous the application process can be for certain conditions.
If you’re wondering if your disabling condition will be more or less challenging to apply for, you’re not alone. Let’s take a look at some of the physical and psychological conditions that the Social Security Administration (SSA) approved more than other conditions.
The Five Most Approved Disabilities from 2022
Based on the latest Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program from 2022, here are the disabling conditions that the Social Security Administration approved the most:
- Musculoskeletal conditions made up 34.4% of disabled adult workers in 2022.
- Common examples of disabilities and disorders that fall under this category include rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, spinal disorders, and fractures.
- These conditions can make it physically impossible to perform physical tasks due to mobility issues and chronic pain.
- Additional assessment criteria that must be included with your disability application: Medical imaging, and physical function tests.
- Malignant Neoplastic Diseases (Cancers) made up 13.6% of disabled adult workers in 2022.
- While most cancers can qualify for disability benefits, some of the most common types include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma.
- Regardless of how aggressive or what stage of cancer a person is facing, claimants undergo challenging treatments. This can include chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. The effects of surgery can also greatly impact a claimant’s ability to work and function.
- Additional assessment criteria for your application should include the stage of the cancer, the body’s response to treatment over time, and a detailed account of how the cancer impacts a person’s daily ability to function.
- Mental Health Disorders accounted for 12% of disabled adult workers in 2022.
- This category encompasses various psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
- These mental health issues often lead to cognitive impairments, difficulties in social interactions, and inconsistency in work performance.
- When applying for disability benefits, applicants need to provide psychiatric evaluations, demonstrate their response to therapy, and the impact of any medications they are taking.
- Cardiovascular and Circulatory Disorders represented 11% of disabled adult workers in 2022.
- This group includes conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and hypertension.
- These disorders can significantly reduce an individual’s stamina, increase the risk of cardiac events, and limit mobility.
- The application for disability benefits in this category should include cardiac testing results and an explanation of how heart disease affects the applicant’s physical activity.
- Nervous System and Sense Organ Disorders comprised 9.5% of disabled adult workers in 2022.
- This diverse category covers conditions such as Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and impairments in vision and hearing.
- These disorders can lead to a loss of motor functions, create barriers in communication, and result in seizures, impacting daily activities and work capability.
- For disability applications, neurological evaluations and sensory tests that demonstrate the impact on daily living activities are essential.
If your disabling condition is listed under these categories, don’t give up hope yet on your society security disability claim. Of the over 500,000 disabled workers who were approved for benefits in 2022, 19.6% of them were approved for a condition that didn’t fit into these categories.
The key pieces of evidence that will help you get your Social Security disability claim approved, regardless of the condition you’re applying for, involve providing
- Your medical record should detail your attempts to pursue treatment, a diagnosis, and other medical intervention efforts.
- Your inability to work due to your disabling condition. This could be through testimonials from a previous employer, your medical provider, and other evidence that can verify the limitations of your residual functional capacity (RFC).
Why Do Some Disabling Conditions Take Longer To Get Approved?
The time it takes for a disability claim to be approved can vary significantly based on the condition. Some conditions, like ALS, certain cancers, and other critical illnesses, are part of the SSA’s Compassionate Allowance program, which expedites processing.
Other conditions, particularly those that are harder to quantify such as mental health disorders or chronic pain conditions, can take longer due to the lack of definitive tests or concrete medical evidence. The SSA also considers factors like age, work history, and earning capacity in their evaluations, which can affect the approval time.
One factor that cannot be controlled involves delays and long waiting periods for disability cases to be reviewed. Most disability claimants wait 6 to 12 months for a final decision on their application, while those who get denied and seek an appeal have to wait even longer.
Key Signs That You Will Be Approved For Disability After A Hearing
Several signs indicate a higher likelihood of disability approval. Firstly, if your condition is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book and you have substantial medical evidence demonstrating its severity, your chances are better.
Age plays a role too; individuals over 50 may have a higher chance of approval.
Earning less than the monthly substantial gainful activity salary also hints at a higher likelihood of approval.
Lastly, the more your condition affects your daily life and prevents you from being able to work, supported by sufficient medical evidence, the higher your chances are for approval.
A Social Security disability lawyer who has years of experience will be able to tell you with certainty if your claim is experiencing signs of approval from the SSA. Not only that, a disability lawyer can also increase your chances of getting approved for disability benefits.
Let Us Fight For You: Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd.
Navigating the complex process of applying for disability benefits can be challenging, especially when dealing with the nuances of different conditions and the SSA’s specific requirements.
At Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd., our experienced attorneys are committed to guiding you through this process. We understand the critical importance of securing the benefits you need and deserve. If your application has been denied, or if you’re uncertain about the requirements, we’re here to help.
Our team operates on a contingency basis, meaning you pay only if we succeed in securing your benefits. Contact us at (847) 299-0008 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
