Last week we discussed how roughly 30 million Americans have a disability and may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits. With so many individuals suffering from a disability in Missouri and throughout the country, what are the most common reasons individuals apply for SSDI?
To put it simply, pain. Pain is the leading cause of disability claims in the U.S., according to a report by the Council for Disability Awareness. Common illnesses and injuries that result in chronic pain include back pain, arthritis, sciatica and diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system.
The report showed that one in three Social Security Disability claims filed in 2012 cited pain as the main reason for the applicant’s long-term disability. In addition to arthritis, back pain and sciatica, many of the musculoskeletal diseases that are commonly cited in disability claims include herniated disk, spine or joint disorders, fibromyitis, tendinitis, osteoporosis, cartilage sprain, scoliosis and rheumatism.
According to the report, SSDI awards for musculoskeletal diseases have increased from eight percent to 34 percent from 1960 to 2011, showing that more individuals are impacted by chronic pain caused by a long-term disability. The Council for Disability Awareness said that the increase in musculoskeletal diseases being cited on SSDI claims could be due to the aging population, saying that as individuals get older, their health worsens and it is difficult to recover from these diseases as they age.
People who suffer from a disability and are unable to work due to their disease, injury or other type of disability can apply for SSDI benefits offered through the Social Security Administration to help cover their daily and monthly expenses.
Source: American News Report, “Pain Remains Leading Cause of Disability,” Pat Anson, June 18, 2013
