Common Conditions That Lead to Disability

Disability insurance is an important part of your health coverage, especially since more than one in four of today’s 20-year-olds can expect to be disabled for at least a year before they reach the normal retirement age.¹

While many people associate disabilities with rare or extreme circumstances, the reasons individuals file disability claims are often more common than we realize. Everyday health conditions, serious illnesses, injuries, and unexpected medical events can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to work and earn an income. By taking a closer look at the most frequent causes of disability claims, you can better understand the importance of preparation and protection.

Common Conditions That Could Result in Short- or Long-Term Disabilities:

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders affecting the back and spine, knees, hips, shoulders, and other parts of the body are the most common reason for long-term disability claims and the second most common reason for short-term disability claims.²  These disorders can include herniated discs, fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, and other conditions that lead to chronic pain that limits lifting, sitting, standing, or walking for sustained periods. 

Arthritis is also considered a musculoskeletal disorder and there are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, difficulty performing daily activities, and permanent joint changes. These changes may be visible, such as knobby finger joints, but often the damage can only be seen on X-ray. Some types of arthritis also affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys, and skin, as well as the joints.³ More than 60 million adults have some type of arthritis, and more than half (52%) are working age.⁴

Whether you have family histories with these kinds of conditions is an important factor for you to consider when you're enrolling in your benefits.

Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, every minute that passes, there is estimated to be four people in the United States that may be diagnosed with cancer.⁵ With the long list of health complications cancer can bring, disability may not even cross your mind at first but about 15% of all long-term disability claims are due to cancer.⁶ 

The disease itself, along with side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, can cause fatigue, pain, cognitive difficulties, and weakened immune function. Depending on the type and progression of the cancer, recovery and ongoing care can require extended time away from work, leading many to rely on short-term or long-term disability benefits during treatment and healing.

Fractures, Sprains, and Strains

These types of injuries may seem small at the time, but according to the Council for Disability Awareness, they count for 11% of both short- and long-term disability claims.⁷ That's because they can significantly impair mobility, strength, and range of motion, making it difficult to work, exercise, or perform basic self-care. They typically affect surrounding soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Pain, swelling, and stiffness may persist even after initial treatment, leading to reduced productivity or the need for modified duties. In more severe cases, recovery can take weeks or months and may require physical therapy or ongoing medical care, preventing an individual from returning to work full time. Because these types of injuries are common, physically limiting, and sometimes slow to heal, they are frequently seen in both short-term and long-term disability claims across many occupations. 

Mental Health Issues

Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and bipolar disorder can have a negative impact on your ability to concentrate, handle social settings, or maintain a consistent schedule. The Social Security Administration evaluates a variety of mental disorders to determine eligibility for disability benefits. Mental health conditions account for about a quarter of applicants for Social Security benefits, and roughly 29.1% of disabled workers and 73.9% of disabled adult children are receiving disability benefits due to intellectual and other mental disorders.⁸

Neurocognitive disorders also fit in this category. They include conditions such as dementia, progressive brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's syndrome, and other disorders that involve a measurable cognitive decline from your previous level of functioning.

Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders are an often-overlooked driver of short-term disability claims, largely because of how unpredictable and debilitating they can be. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease, hernias, gastritis, chronic pancreatitis, and severe GERD don’t just cause discomfort — they can lead to persistent pain, fatigue, and frequent medical appointments. Sudden flare-ups can also make it difficult to maintain a consistent work schedule. For many people, symptoms interfere with concentration, stamina, and the ability to be away from home for extended periods, resulting in missed workdays or extended leaves. Over time, when symptoms become chronic or progressive, these conditions can transition from short-term disruptions to long-term functional limitations, making digestive disorders a meaningful contributor to disability claims (about 7% of short-term disability claims)⁹ and lost productivity across the workforce.

Heart Attack and Stroke 

Heart attacks and strokes are among the most serious medical events someone can experience, and they account for about 9% of all long-term disability claims.¹⁰ These conditions often lead to lasting physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Recovery may involve extensive rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and lifestyle adjustments, and many individuals are left with limitations related to mobility, speech, fatigue, or focus. Because the effects can be sudden and life-altering, heart attacks and strokes frequently require extended time away from work and, in many cases, long-term disability support to help individuals maintain financial stability while they recover and adapt.

Being Prepared

From chronic illnesses and serious injuries to mental health conditions and life‑altering medical events, disability can affect anyone at any stage of life. Recognizing these risks may help you be more prepared and ensure you have the right coverage in place. By increasing awareness and planning ahead, you can better navigate the uncertainty that comes with disability and focus on long‑term well‑being and financial stability. 

Learn More About Disability Insurance

This blog is up to date as of May 2026 and has not been updated for changes in the law, administration or current events.

^1,2,6,7,9,10 Council for Disability Awareness: Disability Statistics https://thecdia.org/disability-statistics/; Accessed 04/27/26
³ https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis; 06/09/22, Accessed 04/27/26
⁴https://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis; Accessed 04/27/26
⁵ https://cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org/; Accessed 04/27/26
⁸https://www.disabilityresources.org/mental-health-conditions-that-qualify-for-disability-benefits.html; Accessed 04/27/26

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