We blogged recently about how severe depression was the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Recently, we came across a WebMD feature series titled “50+: Live Better Longer”, which was reviewed by a medical doctor and focused on the leading causes of disability.
The piece states that your odds of becoming disabled before you retire are about 1 in 3, with some of the top causes for disability being arthritis, back pain, heart disease, cancer, depression and diabetes. The piece broke down each cause, highlighting statistics behind each problem.
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Problems
According to WebMD, arthritis and musculoskeletal problems are the most common causes of long-term disability, with about 1 in 3 people saying arthritis affects his or her ability to do a job in some capacity. Musculoskeletal issues can also include back problems, and complications with bones and joints.
Heart Disease
WebMD reported that heart disease and stroke is now associated with 17 percent of all healthcare costs in the U.S., with many people living with complications for years or decades before succumbing to complications. It should be noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that about 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year, making it responsible for about 1 in 4 deaths.
Cancer
Cancer is the fastest-growing cause for disability claims in the U.S., according to an expert that WebMD interviewed. Matt Tassey, the former chairman of the nonprofit Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE) told the news outlet that treatments such as surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy can make it hard for many cancer patients to work.
I Need a Social Security Disability Attorney
In many cases, people with disabilities or illnesses like those mentioned above are simply unable to work, leaving them eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. In order to qualify for benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses two different tests: the “Duration of Work Test” and the “Recent Work Test”. These take into consideration how long you have worked, as well as how recently, in order to determine eligibility.
If you are disabled due to an injury or a condition, contact a Tulsa Social Security disability lawyer to help you get the benefits you need. We offer free evaluations of your case, and you may reach us by phone at (918) 265-1404.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers
Source: http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/top-causes-disability
