10 Common Types of Disabilities in Kansas City, MO
Ryan Bradley | January 31, 2024 | Personal Injury
If you are unable to work because of a disability, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews applications for SSI and SSDI benefits. You must meet the SSA’s definition of disability to receive benefits.
The SSA defines disability as:
- A medically determinable mental or physical condition;
- That prevents you from performing a substantial gainful activity (work);
- Which is expected to last for a minimum of one year or result in death.
Thousands of conditions could qualify for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration created a Listing of Impairments that describes criteria for many types of disabilities.
However, your condition does not need to be listed for you to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Only common conditions are included. You can be approved for disability benefits for a condition not listed if you can prove the condition results in an impairment that prevents you from working.
Table of Contents
Common Disabilities That Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits
The SSA tracks the distribution of beneficiaries by diagnostic group in its annual statistical report. The top categories of disabilities that qualify for disability benefits include:
Musculoskeletal System & Connective Tissue
This category includes conditions impacting bones, cartilage, ligaments, and other connective tissue. Examples of conditions in this category include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Scoliosis
- Arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spine disorders
- Ruptured discs
- Arthritis
This category makes up a large number of individuals receiving Social Security disability.
Mood Disorders
This category of impairments includes bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), major depressive disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and persistent depressive disorder. Mood and personality disorders impact a person’s emotions and moods.
A person may have extreme and rapid mood changes. They may also experience long periods of depression and anxiety, making it difficult to work.
Nervous System and Sense Organs
The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory organs. Numerous nervous system disorders can impair someone’s ability to work. Examples include Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Bell’s palsy, and spinal cord injuries.
Intellectual Disabilities
An intellectual disability can limit a person’s ability to reason, learn, and solve problems. It can also impact adaptive behavior. Intellectual disabilities can make it difficult for a person to communicate, recall information, and learn new skills.
Examples of intellectual disabilities include Down syndrome, developmental delays, and Prader-Willi syndrome. An intellectual disability may begin before a person reaches 18 years old, which could qualify them for disability benefits as a child.
Circulatory System
Disabling conditions can result from numerous diseases and conditions that impact the circulatory system. Examples include heart failure, strokes, heart attacks, high cholesterol, peripheral artery disease, and arrhythmia. The condition must result in an impairment that prevents work to qualify for disability benefits.
Psychotic Disorders and Schizophrenia
Symptoms of psychotic disorders can make it impossible to hold a job. Examples include delusions, disorganized speech, hallucinations, and catatonic behavior. A person may be unable to engage in social activities and complete tasks as well.
Other Mental Conditions
Mental conditions are a common disability because they impact so many functions necessary for performing a job. There are numerous disorders and mental health conditions that can result in a disability that meets the SSA’s definition for disability benefits.
Accident Injuries
Injuries can result in impairments and disabling conditions that prevent someone from working. Examples of events that can lead to a disabling injury include:
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Construction accidents
- Boat accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Animal attacks
- Medical malpractice
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
A sudden accident that causes a disability could entitle the victim to compensation through a personal injury claim. However, the victim can also apply for disability benefits in many cases.
Organic Mental Disorders
These conditions develop because of injuries, diseases, or defects in the body. They include amnesia, delirium, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Neoplasms
Neoplasms are abnormal growths, including lipomas, fibromas, hemangiomas, and adenomas. The growths can be benign (non-cancerous), pre-cancerous, or cancerous.
What Should You Do if You Develop an Impairment in Kansas City, MO?
Some disabilities may automatically qualify you for Social Security disability benefits or a compassionate allowance. You can begin receiving disability benefits right away. Otherwise, you must go through the approval process, which can take time.
Many Social Security disability applications are denied on the first review. There are several levels of appeals you can go through seeking disability benefits. A Kansas City disability lawyer can be very helpful.
If another party caused your disability, you may also want to consult a Kansas City personal injury lawyer. An injury attorney can help you seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages from the party who caused your condition.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today
For more information, please contact Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.
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(314) 400-0000
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