There are numerous medical conditions or illnesses that may qualify someone for long-term disability. The primary criteria are: Do those conditions or diseases prevent someone from working? Here are some common conditions or illnesses that make someone unable to perform their job and could qualify them for long-term disability. Note: This is not an all-inclusive list but examples of what could qualify in each category. Getting advice from a physician and an attorney about specific conditions is recommended.

Cardiovascular Conditions

  • Aneurysm
  • Coronary heart disease/heart attack/heart failure
  • Hypertension/chronic pulmonary hypertension
  • Stroke

Cancers

Because the treatment of cancer can have a negative impact on day-to-day life, any cancer that requires invasive treatment (surgery) or treatment with long-lasting side effects (radiation, chemotherapy), many cancers can qualify for long-term disability.

Cognitive or Mental Conditions

  • Addiction (drug or alcohol)
  • Agoraphobia
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Anxiety disorder/depression
  • Neurocognitive Disorders
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Schizophrenia

Digestive Systems

  • Colitis
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver disease or cirrhosis

Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders

  • Diabetes
  • Malnutrition
  • Obesity
  • Pituitary or thyroid gland disorders

Immune System

  • Immune deficiency disorders
  • Poisoning or Chemical Sensitivity

Musculoskeletal System

  • Arthritis
  • Bone fractures
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Herniated disc
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Osteoarthritis or osteoporosis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Sciatica

Neurological/Nervous System

  • Alzheimer’s
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Epilepsy
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Respiratory Conditions

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Emphysema
  • Lung Transplant

Sensory Impairments

  • Burns
  • Hearing Loss or Tinnitus
  • Vision loss

What’s the First Step to Applying for Long-Term Disability?

Applying for long-term disability can be a complicated process. Each case is unique and often multifaceted. That’s because a single condition or illness can have multiple effects on a person’s life and ability to manage their day-to-day roles. There may be multiple physicians and medical care offices involved. We recommend reaching out to an experienced injury attorney who can help you get all the information and evidence together to apply or help you if your claim is initially denied.

Let Us Advise You

Spinal injuries can require extensive legal assistance. If you or someone you know has suffered a spinal injury, call us at 816-866-7711 to learn what legal remedies could be available.