The millions of workers who depend on Social Security Disability, also known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), share a commonality. They all rely on this crucial program after health issues took away their ability to earn a living. While they may share this common quality, the conditions that led them here differ vastly. This leads many people to wonder, what are all the disabilities that are covered under Social Security Disability?
The number of ailments worldwide is likely too large to list, especially since each condition may have unique strains and variations. However, Social Security Disability laws and policies are written to categorize common conditions together. This makes it easier for a person to proceed with a benefits application, especially with the help of a Social Security Disability attorney.
Physical and Musculoskeletal Disorders
The Social Security Administration (SSA) lists common categories of disabilities for adults, and musculoskeletal disorders rank first. These conditions involve issues with joints, tendons, muscles, or ligaments, either due to diseases, injuries, or repetitive strain. They can result in mobility issues and affect about 34.1% of disabled workers receiving benefits in 2024.
Other physical disabilities include skin issues, ranging from excessively dry skin to lesions. Respiratory conditions, such as breathing problems, can also count as physical disorders, as they can affect a person’s ability to remain physically active for long periods.
Neurological and Cognitive Disorders
Mental, cognitive, and neurological disorders constitute a broad set of interconnected categories. They can cover issues like intense anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. These often result in brain fog, trouble concentrating, social development issues, and other problems that make long-term work difficult to complete.
Some neurological issues impact the sensory and motor functions. Conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease can make it difficult to maintain safe and consistent physical activity because of the way the mind and the brain interact, creating grounds for a Social Security Disability case.
Cardiovascular, Hematological, and Immune Disorders
Cardiovascular issues can take many forms, but they typically affect the veins, arteries, and capillaries, disrupting healthy heart function. Hematological issues involve the blood and can lead to problems such as bone marrow issues, blood clotting issues, and anemia.
Immune disorders are another major disability category, as they can impair the body’s ability to fight infections and increase the likelihood of illness. This can often align with hematological issues, as the blood may not produce the necessary cells, proteins, and antibodies. This can lead to infections, chronic fatigue, organ breakdown, and more.
Digestive and Genitourinary Disorders
Digestive disorders can impact the function of the pancreas, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Such issues can affect a person’s ability to absorb nutrients and process waste, leading to pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that may impair work performance.
Genitourinary disorders can also impact the body’s ability to process waste and regulate functions. They do this by affecting the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and other parts of the urinary system. These can cause a person to struggle to maintain consistent focus or availability in the workplace.
Endocrine Disorders, Congenital Disorders, and Cancer
These three categories represent conditions that can affect multiple organs and systems simultaneously. Endocrine disorders are those that impact hormone-producing glands, and the imbalances can lead to diabetes, metabolic issues, and even changes in cognitive function.
Congenital disorders are those that exist from birth, which can include structural differences and genetic syndromes. Cancer is another serious issue that can qualify for disability based on its ability to impact one or more areas of the body and cause pain, fatigue, or immune suppression that makes consistent work difficult or even impossible.
Why a Disease Itself Isn’t Enough for Benefit Eligibility
While these conditions and others like them may impact a person’s work performance, a diagnosis alone does not guarantee a benefit award. The condition must be expected to last longer than a year and must be documented through medical reports to show how it impedes a person’s ability to work consistently.
For those who do meet eligibility requirements, it can change their lives. Over 7.1 million individuals were in payment status in late 2025. When you hire a Social Security Disability lawyer, you can get valuable assistance in your application for benefits.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Average Social Security Disability Payment?
A: The average Social Security Disability payment for an individual worker in 2024 was $1,571.70. This amount can increase by over $1,000 for those who have one or more children. These numbers are always subject to change as the Social Security Administration updates its estimates due to program changes and inflation.
Q: Where Will My Social Security Disability Application Be Processed?
A: Your Social Security Disability application will likely be received and reviewed first at the Sacramento SSA Office if you live near this area. While your application may be rejected, you can appeal it. This may involve moving the case to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.
Q: How Do I Demonstrate a Medical Condition in a Disability Application?
A: To demonstrate a medical condition in a disability application, you must have clinical documentation of your condition, its symptoms, and the impact it has on your daily function, including your ability to work. This may require visiting a local Sacramento medical facility, such as UC Davis Health, or seeking a professional for the specific type of condition you have.
Q: How Can a Lawyer Help With a Social Security Disability Application?
A: A lawyer can help with a Social Security Disability application by helping you understand the laws and procedures involved with applying. They can help you create professional statements detailing your disability and gather evidence, such as medical reports, to strengthen your claim. They can also help you appeal an application that was rejected.
Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer
No matter what condition you’re suffering from, you deserve a legal team committed to helping you apply for benefits. Gade & Parekh, LLP has a strong reputation in the Sacramento region for our commitment to supporting those in need. Whether this is your first time applying for benefits or you’re continuing your pursuit after a rejected application, we can help. Contact a Sacramento Social Security Disability lawyer today and start with a free consultation.