What Are the Leading Causes of Disability Insurance Claims?

Around 15 percent of the world’s population will experience some sort of disability during their lifetime. In some cases, this disability can be worked around; in others, it may prevent the person from holding down a job or even living independently. What are the most common causes of disability in the U.S.? Learn which types of disabilities are most often seen by disability insurance attorneys.

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#1: Neuromuscular, Musculoskeletal, or Soft Tissue Disorder

Many disability insurance claimants have cervical or lumbar issues – in layman’s terms, neck or back pain. From herniated discs to sciatica, these issues can keep disability insurance claimants from being able to sit, stand, or lie down without discomfort. And unfortunately, neck and back pain is often “invisible”; when compared to more “visible” disabilities like cancer or a broken bone, it may be harder to prove. It’s important for disability insurance claimants to see their medical providers regularly and to be honest with them about how often they experience pain, how serious the pain is, and whether their neck or back problems prevent them from doing certain things.

#2: Mental Issues: Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar

Chronic or severe health issues often bring with them mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health problems, along with conditions like bipolar disorder, can be just as disabling as physical disabilities, making them one of the top five causes of disability insurance claims.

#3: Nervous System Disorders: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s

Another family of conditions that fall into the top five triggers for a disability insurance claim is nervous system disorders. MS, Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, and other nervous system conditions can cause both physical and cognitive dysfunction. These diseases are progressive, which can make it tougher to show a disability insurance carrier that a claimant is entitled to payment. Disability insurance claimants can benefit from working with a disability insurance attorney, who can ensure that the disability insurance claimant’s medical documentation is as comprehensive as possible.

#4: Cancer

Cancer is still a serious condition, but is far more treatable – and often, curable – than in generations past. Unfortunately, many cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can have serious side effects like “chemo brain” (cognitive difficulties), nausea, vomiting, and severe fatigue. These side effects can vary widely from person to person; even when a disability insurance carrier’s return-to-work model may say that a disability claimant can return to work, the claimant may find themselves unable to make it through a full workday. Disability claimants with cancer should make sure they discuss with their physician the side effects they’re experiencing, as it’s important to document the non-cancer-related symptoms that are causing the most trouble.

#5: Cardiac Diseases

Nearly half of all American adults have cardiac disease, which can a risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Because cardiac issues are so common, the return-to-work models can set forth a specific number of days a disability claimant “should” be out for any number of different procedures. But unlike cancer or musculoskeletal disorders, cardiac diseases can be exacerbated by stress – including the stress of being forced to return to work before you feel healthy enough. Disability insurance claimants can bolster their long term disability claims by ensuring their medical records make a direct connection between their work-related stress and their cardiac condition.

If you’re considering applying for long term disability insurance benefits, let Dell & Schaefer help. Our nationwide network of disability insurance lawyers can provide you with a quick, FREE consultation to discuss the merits of your claim.