If you’re hesitant about applying for disability benefits, then you’re not alone. Millions of people across the United States can tell you how long and difficult the application process can be for certain conditions.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common physical and mental conditions that the Social Security Administration (SSA) approves for disability benefits. And if you need help applying for benefits, our Social Security Disability attorneys are here for you. We offer free case consultations, and you’ll owe us nothing unless we secure your benefits.
What Is the Most Approved Disability?
Arthritis, and particularly osteoarthritis, is the most commonly approved condition for Social Security Disability benefits. Arthritis falls under the musculoskeletal disorders category, which accounts for more than one-third of all SSDI approvals — the largest category by far.
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause chronic pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion. Over time, these symptoms can make it impossible to perform even basic physical tasks required at work or at home. People with arthritis often struggle to sit, stand, walk, or use their hands for extended periods — all of which are critical for gainful employment.
The SSA evaluates arthritis-related claims based on medical imaging (like X-rays or MRIs), physical exams, and documented functional limitations. For severe cases that meet or equal the criteria in the SSA’s Blue Book Listing 1.02 or 1.03, approval rates tend to be higher.
What Is the Most Approved Mental Illness for Disability?
When it comes to mental health conditions, depression is the most commonly approved mental illness for disability benefits. Major depressive disorder affects millions of Americans and can severely impair an individual’s ability to function both socially and professionally. According to SSA data, depressive disorders account for a significant portion of the mental health-related disability awards.
The SSA considers the severity and duration of the condition, medical treatment records, and how it limits a person’s ability to perform “substantial gainful activity” when reviewing a claim for depression.
Supporting evidence for a depression-based disability claim usually includes:
- Psychiatric evaluations and diagnoses
- Documentation of treatment plans and responses to therapy or medication
- Evidence of functional limitations in work, social, and daily activities
If you’re applying based on depression or another mental illness, it’s essential to demonstrate the long-term impact and resistance to treatment that renders you unable to sustain work.
Common Conditions That Automatically Qualify for Disability Benefits
While no condition is truly “automatic,” some conditions on the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances List (CAL) qualify for expedited approval because they are so clearly disabling. Here are 10 conditions that have a high likelihood of approval:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Pancreatic cancer
- Acute leukemia
- Stage IV breast cancer
- Liver cancer
- Small cell lung cancer
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
- Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
These conditions are generally considered terminal or extremely severe and require minimal additional evidence beyond diagnosis. If your condition is on this list, your claim may be approved in weeks instead of months or years.
List of Most Approved Disabilities
Based on the latest Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program from 2022, here are the disabling conditions that the Social Security Administration approved the most:
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Musculoskeletal Conditions
Musculoskeletal conditions made up 34.4% of disabled adult workers in 2022.
Common examples of disabilities and disorders that fall under this category include rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, spinal disorders, and fractures.
These conditions can make it physically impossible to perform physical tasks due to mobility issues and chronic pain.
Additional assessment criteria that must be included with your disability application include medical imaging and physical function tests.
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Cancer
Malignant neoplastic diseases (cancers) made up 13.6% of disabled adult workers in 2022.
While most cancers can qualify for disability benefits, some of the most common types include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma.
Regardless of how aggressive or what stage of cancer a person is facing, claimants undergo challenging treatments. This can include chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. The effects of surgery can also greatly impact a claimant’s ability to work and function.
Additional assessment criteria for your application should include the stage of the cancer, the body’s response to treatment over time, and a detailed account of how the cancer impacts a person’s daily ability to function.
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Mental Health Disorders
Mental health disorders accounted for 12% of disabled adult workers in 2022.
This category encompasses various psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
These mental health issues often lead to cognitive impairments, difficulties in social interactions, and inconsistency in work performance.
When applying for disability benefits, applicants need to provide psychiatric evaluations, demonstrate their response to therapy, and describe the impact of any medications they are taking.
The most approved disabilities are musculoskeletal conditions, mental health conditions, and cardiovascular and circulatory disorders. The reason these conditions are most commonly approved is because of their prevalence. Additionally, these categories tend to have more complex conditions that are more serious and affect gainful activity (work). While other conditions can qualify for disability, these ones just tend to be the most commonly approved conditions.
If you have a mental health condition, like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, Social Security Disability Insurance can be a valuable resource for you. While SSDI is helpful if you’ve worked previously, people who have never worked can still qualify for assistance under the Supplementary Security Income program. This program offers benefits to people with long-term disabilities and to parents who have children with long-term disabilities.
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Cardiovascular and Circulatory Disorders
Cardiovascular and circulatory disorders represented 11% of disabled adult workers in 2022.
This group includes conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and hypertension.
These disorders can significantly reduce an individual’s stamina, increase the risk of cardiac events, and limit mobility.
The application for disability benefits in this category should include cardiac testing results and an explanation of how heart disease affects the applicant’s physical activity.
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Nervous System and Sense Organ Disorders
Nervous system and sense organ disorders comprised 9.5% of disabled adult workers in 2022.
This category covers conditions such as Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and impairments in vision and hearing.
If your disabling condition is listed under these categories, don’t give up hope yet on your society security disability claim. Of the over 500,000 disabled workers who were approved for benefits in 2022, 19.6% of them were approved for a condition that didn’t fit into these categories.
SSDI Approval Rates by Condition
Not all conditions have equal chances of approval. Here are some of the top qualifying conditions and their approximate approval rates based on SSA statistics and industry analyses:
- Musculoskeletal disorders: ~40%
- Cancer (varies by type and stage): ~35–40%
- Cardiovascular diseases: ~35%
- Nervous system disorders: ~30%
- Depression and mood disorders: ~25–30%
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders: ~30%
- Intellectual disabilities: ~25%
- Chronic respiratory diseases: ~25%
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus): ~20–25%
- Digestive system disorders: ~20%
As you can see, musculoskeletal conditions continue to lead in terms of approval rate, but many other conditions also have a reasonable chance of approval if backed by strong medical evidence. Working with an experienced disability lawyer can help you build the strongest case possible, no matter your diagnosis.
Why Do Some Disabling Conditions Take Longer To Get Approved?
The time it takes for a disability claim to be approved can vary significantly based on the condition. Some conditions, like ALS, certain cancers, and other critical illnesses, are part of the SSA’s Compassionate Allowance program, which expedites processing.
Other conditions, particularly those that are harder to quantify, such as mental health disorders or chronic pain conditions, can take longer due to the lack of definitive tests or concrete medical evidence. The SSA also considers factors like age, work history, and earning capacity in their evaluations, which can affect the approval time.
One factor that cannot be controlled involves delays and long waiting periods for disability cases to be reviewed. Most disability claimants wait 6 to 12 months for a final decision on their application, while those who get denied and seek an appeal have to wait even longer.
Let Us Fight For You: Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd.
Navigating the process of applying for disability benefits can be challenging, especially when dealing with the SSA’s specific requirements.
At Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd., our experienced attorneys are committed to guiding you through this process from start to finish. We understand the critical importance of securing the benefits you need and deserve. If your application has been denied or if you’re uncertain about the application process, we’re here to help.
Our team operates on a contingency basis, meaning you pay only if we succeed in securing your benefits. Contact us at (847) 299-0008 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
