Taylor Hale | May 12, 2025 | Personal Injury
What Are the Top 10 Disabilities?
Approximately 70 million adults in the United States are living with some type of disability. These conditions range from minor impairments to life-altering disabilities that can affect a person’s independence and quality of life. Numerous physical, mental, and emotional disorders can affect a person, but disabilities in the following ten categories are the most common.
1. Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders
Disorders of the musculoskeletal system and disabilities affecting connective tissues accounted for one-third of all Social Security disability claims in 2023. These conditions include arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and fibromyalgia.
2. Neoplasms
Neoplasms are also known as tumors. These abnormal growths can develop in various body parts and may be cancerous or non-cancerous. Depending on their location, these growths can impact other bodily functions even if the tumor itself is non-cancerous.
3. Circulatory System Disorders
The circulatory system is responsible for circulating oxygenated blood throughout the body. Strokes, heart disease, and heart failure are common examples of disorders that can lead to disability. About ten percent of disability claims filed in 2023 were for circulatory system disorders.
4. Disorders of the Nervous System and Sense Organs
Conditions like Parkinson’s and epilepsy fall into this category of disabilities. These conditions affect a person’s ability to control their movements voluntarily and interact with their surroundings.
5. Depressive Disorders and Bipolar Disorder
Mood disorders account for approximately two percent of all disability claims filed with the Social Security Administration in 2023. People with these disorders can find it difficult to regulate their mood and may experience periods of deep sadness or mania.
6. Neurocognitive Disorders
Neurocognitive disorders (NCD) consist of degenerative brain conditions that can lead to a reduced ability to problem-solve, communicate, or recall information. Alzheimer’s disease is one common example of an NCD. These can develop organically or as a result of a brain injury.
7. Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia are mental health conditions primarily characterized by a loss of connection with reality. Individuals with such a disorder may experience auditory or visual hallucinations. Less than two percent of disability claims in 2023 fell into this category.
8. Intellectual Disorders
Intellectual disorders set in before a person turns 18 and can make it challenging for the person to acquire and use new information. The person may require lifelong assistance, depending on the disorder’s severity. Fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome are two common intellectual disorders.
9. Autism Spectrum Disorders
Individuals with autism may find it challenging to relate to or communicate with others to varying degrees. Some individuals may also have trouble navigating social situations and interactions. Less than one percent of disability claims are filed on behalf of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
10. Developmental Disorders
Finally, developmental disorders include other conditions that impair a person’s development in areas like social interaction and motor skills. Examples of these disorders include Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and cerebral palsy. These disorders may develop naturally or can be the result of an injury event, such as a birth injury.
The Effects of Disabilities
Any disability has the potential to significantly impact not only the life of the person with the condition but the lives of their family and loved ones as well. While some disabilities may improve or resolve completely over time, others are lifelong and can worsen throughout the person’s life. Managing the disability’s complications can require significant financial resources.
Besides disability benefits, individuals who become disabled because of another person’s carelessness may be able to obtain compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. An injury claim can provide compensation for present and future anticipated expenses, which can alleviate concerns about how to pay for ongoing medical care and other needs.
Contact us for a free consultation with a Lake Charles personal injury lawyer from Hale Injury Lawyers to discuss how we can help you.
Hale Injury Lawyers
1735 Ryan St Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 426-1071
