Numerous people in Texas are living with a disability. Many also participate in the labor force, but others rely on disability benefits to survive.
Nationwide, the largest sources of disability compensation are:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Workers’ compensation for work-related injuries and illnesses
- Veterans Affairs (VA)
In December 2022, more than 388,000 SSDI recipients had applied for workers’ compensation benefits. In Texas, 2.3% of adults 18 to 64 receive SSDI benefits. A total of 495,500 disabled Texas workers are SSDI recipients.
Below is an overview of the ten most common disabilities according to the 2022 SSDI Annual Statistical Report.
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders affect the muscles, joints, and bones. They are the number one cause of disability worldwide and represent 30% of SSDI beneficiaries.
The most common musculoskeletal conditions include:
- Arthritis
- Amputation or loss of limb
- Severe burns
- Chronic back pain or back injuries
- Non-healing or complex fractures
- Degenerative disc disease
About one-quarter of American adults have arthritis, believed to be the leading cause of disability. About 10% of adults report arthritis that limits their activities. About 65% of all workers’ compensation claims are related to a musculoskeletal disorder.
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2. Depressive Disorders
About 12% of SSDI beneficiaries qualify with major depression, bipolar disorder, or another related depressive disorder. Depression and related disorders were the second leading cause of disability among female SSDI beneficiaries who applied for workers’ compensation.
3. Sensory and Nervous System Disorders
Disorders of the sensory system (skin, ears, eyes, and nose) or nervous system represent 10% of SSDI beneficiaries.
The most common qualifying conditions include:
- Neuralgia (nerve pain)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Blindness or vision loss
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
These disorders were the third leading cause of disability for women receiving SSDI who also applied for workers’ compensation.
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4. Intellectual Disabilities
Intellectual disorders like Prader-Willi syndrome and Down syndrome make up 9% of approved SSDI claims. To qualify under SSDI, a disorder must result in significantly below-average intellect with deficits in learning and adaptive functioning.
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5. Circulatory Disorders
Cardiovascular or circulatory diseases affect the heart, veins, or arteries. Heart disease and stroke are the two main categories or types of cardiovascular disease.
Heart disease is a broad term that includes:
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmia (heartbeat is irregular, too slow, or too fast)
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
6.7% of SSDI beneficiaries have disabling cardiovascular disorders. Heart disease is the top cause of death in the U.S. It can be debilitating when it affects daily life and the ability to work.
6. Schizophrenia and Related Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, psychotic depression, and postpartum psychosis (PPP). These conditions cause altered perception and thinking, delusions, and extreme confusion. 4.7% of SSDI beneficiaries qualify due to a psychotic disorder.
7. Other Mental Disorders
4.5% of SSDI beneficiaries qualify due to another type of disabling mental disorder not already listed, including the following:
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa
These conditions are considered a disability when they significantly affect daily life and the ability to work.
8. Injuries
Disabling injuries account for 3.4% of SSDI beneficiaries. Acute injuries are responsible for about 6% of workers’ compensation claims. They are the second leading reason for workers’ compensation claims.
A 2020 study found the most common injuries related to disability claims or death benefits:
- Sprains and strains (52.9%)
- Contusions, including brain contusions (14.2%)
- Lacerations (5.7%)
- Multiple injuries (3.5%)
- Fractures (3.1%)
- Burns (1.8%)
- Puncture injuries (1.7%)
- Other cumulative injuries (1.6%)
- Other specific injuries (10%)
Disabling injuries are usually the result of car accidents, falls, sports, and violence or assault. Serious work-related injuries are most often caused by car accidents, falls, machinery-related accidents, or being struck by objects.
9. Neoplasms (Tumors)
A benign brain tumor or a malignant cancer like mesothelioma or lung cancer is considered a disability. 3% of SSDI beneficiaries have a qualifying form of cancer or benign tumor.
10. Major Neurocognitive Disorder (Dementia)
Dementia, now known as a major neurocognitive disorder, is a major cause of disability.
It comes in many forms, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Lewy body dementia
Alzheimer’s alone accounts for 70% of dementia cases.
A Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With the Disability Claims Process
Social Security and workers’ compensation benefits can help replace lost income, but these benefits are capped. They rarely provide victims with enough income to maintain their quality of life. They also provide no compensation for the mental, physical, and emotional toll of the disability on the victim.
If you have suffered a disabling injury in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation outside of these programs. If someone else caused your injuries, a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue a claim against the at-fault party.
Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim
For more information, contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Houston
3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350, Houston, TX 77098
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy
11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06, Houston, TX 77029
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop
2600 S Loop W, Suite 293, Houston, TX 77054
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Katy Freeway
11511 Katy Fwy Suite 515, Houston, TX 77079
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Clear Lake
1300 Bay Area Blvd Suite B268, Houston, TX 77058
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – The Woodlands
1776 Woodstead Ct ste 203, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Call or Text (713) 500-5000 or Complete a Case Evaluation Form
