Health issues can strike swiftly and without warning. Even the most dedicated and energetic workers can watch their abilities diminish due to their condition. Social Security Disability, also known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), can be a vital resource to support these workers as their circumstances change. However, many people wonder, what are the most common disabilities that fall under Social Security Disability?
While countless ailments can impact a person’s potential to complete a job, the Social Security Administration (SSA) compiles data about the most common categories, along with strict guidelines to determine if a person is eligible to receive benefits. If you’re curious about applying or continuing to pursue a benefit reward after previously having been rejected, a Social Security Disability attorney can help.
What Are the SSA’s Most Common Disability Categories?
The SSA provides a listing of impairments that apply to adults aged 18 and over. Known as Adult Listings Part A, this collection of medical categories encompasses some of the most common issues that may impair a person’s ability to work. They include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Special senses and speech
- Respiratory disorders
- Cardiovascular system
- Digestive disorders
- Genitourinary disorders
- Hematological disorders
- Skin disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
- Neurological disorders
- Mental disorders
- Cancer, also known as malignant neoplastic diseases
- Immune system disorders
A Social Security Disability case will likely reference one or more categories from this framework when assessing a person’s condition. Having a condition in one of these categories doesn’t automatically qualify a person to receive benefits, but it can provide some perspective on how they and their lawyer should present and articulate their condition.
Which Disabilities Are Most Common Among Beneficiaries?
As of December 2024, 34.1% of disabled workers currently in payment status were documented to have musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders. This is likely due to a combination of age and the repeated strain of long-term work movements. This same data pool showed:
- 12.0% had depressive, bipolar, or related disorders
- 10.3% had nervous system and sense organ issues
- 7.6% had circulatory system issues
The remaining percentage was split among intellectual, mental, and non-mental impairments. Disabled widows and widowers showed similar numbers, with musculoskeletal and mental disorders ranking highest. However, the data showed some variances among other pools. For example, 43.6% of disabled adult children suffered from intellectual disorders.
A Closer Look at Specific Disability Conditions
While complex conditions can be categorized, many unique variations exist. Even two individuals with the same condition can have different triggers, symptoms, and levels of severity. Common ailments in popular disability categories include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders. These issues often affect bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. It’s also common for them to affect the spine and cause mobility problems. They can be caused by herniated discs, degenerative diseases, and joint dysfunction. Sufferers may have problems standing, walking, or performing repetitive movements.
- Mental health disorders. Mental health disorders can be just as debilitating as physical conditions. Common conditions include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. These issues can affect concentration, social interaction, and stress management.
- Neurological disorders. This category covers ailments that can impact how the mind and body work together. Issues like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and some stroke-related impairments can impact a person’s ability to complete physical tasks and maintain consistent, safe mechanical functions.
Every category on the SSA’s list contains multiple conditions, and this data is subject to expansion as new medical research emerges. Social Security Disability laws use these strict but evolving guidelines to assess current and new applicants for benefits.
Why Diagnosis Does Not Automatically Equal Eligibility
Even if a person has a condition listed in the SSA’s categories, this alone is not enough to qualify for benefits. The program maintains strict eligibility requirements, and applicants must:
- Have a condition that lasts or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- Show evidence of their condition through medical reports
- Have worked for 5 of the last 10 years, unless you’re under the age of 24
While receiving benefits requires a strict process, it can change a recipient’s life. In 2024, over 7 million disabled workers were receiving Social Security Disability. Throughout 2024 and 2025, data shows an average of about 50,000 to 60,000 new benefit rewards per month.
FAQs
Q: Who Handles Social Security Disability Cases?
A: For residents in and around Sacramento, or the surrounding areas, most applications start at the SSA’s Sacramento Office. If the application is rejected, appeals are exhausted, and the applicant still wants to pursue their case, the matter may be taken to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.
Q: Can Medical Reports Help a Social Security Disability Case?
A: Yes, medical reports can help a Social Security Disability case. With consistent clinical documentation of repeated issues that impede a person’s ability to work, it’s much easier to make a strong argument that the applicant needs benefits. Local residents may pursue a medical review at institutions such as UC Davis Health or with a professional in a specific medical field.
Q: How Can a Lawyer Help With a Disability Application?
A: A lawyer can help with a disability application by drawing on their knowledge of Social Security Disability laws and cases. They can support you in gathering evidence like medical reports, as well as in creating a strong professional argument that’s appropriate for court proceedings. They can also help you appeal if your application is rejected.
Q: Can a Person Have Multiple Qualifying Conditions?
A: Yes, a person can have multiple qualifying conditions. If the sufferer can produce medical reports detailing evidence of both, along with their separate or combined impact on work performance over a long period of time, this could increase their chance of benefit approval. Your lawyer can help you make a case that each condition has impacted your ability to work.
Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer
No matter what type of condition you’re suffering from, we believe you deserve support as you pursue disability. When you hire a Social Security Disability lawyer from Gade & Parekh, LLP, you gain access to deep legal knowledge and a team with a reputation for client results.
We’re not an application mill. We take an ethical approach by helping people in need navigate the complexities of applying for benefits. We also don’t get paid unless you get your award. To start with a free consultation, reach out to a Sacramento Social Security Disability lawyer today.