Understanding the Common Causes of Disability Claims (Part II)
We recently explored five common causes of disability claims in honor of Disability Insurance Awareness Month. As we discussed in part one of this series, many Americans have misconceptions about what legally qualifies as a disabling sickness or illness.
The Council for Disability Awareness reports that one in three women and one in four men will have a disability that keeps them out of work for 90+ days at some point during their working lifetime.
Here is a look at the final five of ten most common causes of disability claims.
6. Pregnancy
Many Americans may not consider pregnancy a disabling condition, but without paid maternity leave, mothers may be away from their jobs and income for varying lengths of time. Short-term disability can cover the time a new mother stays at home after childbirth.
7. Nervous System Conditions
Examples include: Eye and ear disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease
Did you know that an estimated 400,000 Americans have multiple sclerosis, and 200 new cases are diagnosed each week? MS, a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system, is considered a leading cause of disability in young adults and most often appears between ages 20 and 40.
Early onset Alzheimer’s is also known to strike individuals in their 30s and affects nearly 200,000 Americans under 65. Younger Americans who experience cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s can find themselves unable to work during their prime earning years, leaving them without steady income.
8. Infectious Disease
Examples include: Food poisoning, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, meningitis, salmonella, tuberculosis, measles
According to the Council for Disability Awareness, disability claims for infectious diseases have increased as more diseases and infections grow resistant to antibiotics, creating long-term symptoms and complications.
9. Digestive System Diseases
Examples include: Gastric ulcers, gastritis, appendicitis, hernia, cirrhosis of the liver, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, dental disorders, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
It is estimated that more than 34 million Americans are living with diseases of the digestive system.
Approximately 20 million of those people have chronic disorders like Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel condition that can cause abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
Although Crohn’s disease typically affects the gastrointestinal tract, it may affect other organ systems, causing frequent and debilitating symptoms and increasing the risk of other health problems.
10. Respiratory Diseases
Examples include: Influenza, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
Many Americans suffer from breathing problems that prevent them from working full-time; in fact, the Council for Disability Awareness reports that more than 35 million Americans are living with some form of lung disease.
COPD alone affects approximately 15.7 million Americans and causes chronic respiratory episodes that can require urgent medical care and lead to long-term disability.
Filing a disability claim?
If you’re seeking long-term disability insurance benefits, consult a top rated disability insurance attorney for a free consultation to determine how to proceed with your claim.