Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers | January 29, 2025 | Personal Injury
When most people hear the word “disability,” they think of something plainly visible and catastrophic, like paralysis or amputation. However, many disabilities aren’t so obvious. Some impact an individual’s appearance or mobility, while others may affect their mental health or pain levels.
Here are 10 of the most common disabilities in the United States.
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders
Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are hallmarks of arthritis, which can make even simple actions like gripping a cup or walking up stairs difficult. Similar issues like fibromyalgia or degenerative disc disease also cause chronic pain and make it difficult to move.
2. Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of disability in the U.S. It can leave a person tired and short of breath, and sufferers often experience chest pain and limited mobility. Those who are recovering from heart attacks or heart failure often have a hard time returning to work.
3. Chronic Respiratory Issues
Asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and other chronic respiratory illnesses make it tough to breathe. They can prompt constant coughing and wheezing and leave patients feeling tired all the time. Many need oxygen therapy and frequent treatments to mitigate these effects.
4. Diabetes Complications
While diabetes isn’t always a major problem, the complications from it can be. People with severe diabetes can be left dealing with vision loss, kidney disease, nerve damage, and even the prospect of amputation. Some struggle with extreme fluctuations in their blood sugar levels that make it hard to work or engage in various activities.
5. Mental Health Disorders
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder can be just as disabling as any physical ailment. Severe cases (especially those that arise after a traumatic accident) can affect an individual’s energy levels, concentration, and social life. Mental health conditions are some of the most misunderstood disabilities, but they’re very real and usually require long-term care.
6. Cancer
A cancer diagnosis is one of the scariest things you can hear from your doctor. Depending on the type and stage of the disease, it could cause pain, extreme fatigue, and problems with mobility. Treatments like radiation and chemotherapy weaken the body and make it hard to function at a normal capacity.
7. Back and Spinal Issues
Herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and chronic back pain can be debilitating. Some people need surgery, extensive pain management, and physical therapy just to get through the day. Severe injuries can lead to paralysis that limits the person’s independence and prevents them from returning to work.
8. Neurological Disorders
Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and similar conditions affect the brain and nervous system. Every patient experiences them a little differently, but many deal with effects like seizures, tremors, and poor coordination. These disorders can make everyday activities exhausting and unpredictable.
9. Vision and Hearing Impairments
Severe hearing loss and blindness make it difficult to communicate and move through one’s environment. Even with improvements in modern medicine and assistive technology, they can create barriers in the workplace as well as social life.
10. Autoimmune Diseases
Crohn’s disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other disorders cause the immune system to attack the body, leading to fatigue, joint pain, organ damage, and other major issues. Because symptoms can fluctuate, it’s hard to predict how someone will feel from one day to the next.
Living With a Disability
If you have one of these conditions, you might wonder what qualifies for short-term disability or what medical conditions qualify for long-term disability. Every case is different, and approval depends on how severely your condition affects your ability to work.
When you apply for benefits, it will help to understand the possible signs that you will be approved for disability. For reliable assistance, connect with a legal professional who understands the process and can offer guidance as you file your claim.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 346-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 225-5990
