Based on the percentage of new long-term disability claims in 2009, the Council for Disability Awareness (CDA) determined which medical conditions generated the most claims by diagnosis.
"New" claims are those approved in the survey year; "existing" claims are ongoing but approved in prior years. We count down to number one by starting at number 10.
#10: Respiratory System Disorders
2009 new claims: 2.2%
Existing claims: 3.0
Examples include influenza, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder (COPD).
#9: Digestive System Diseases
2009 new claims: 2.6%
Existing claims: 2.2%
Examples include gastric ulcers, gastritis, appendicitis, hernia, irritable bowel syndrome, cirrhosis of the liver, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, dental disorders, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).
#8: Symptoms, Signs, and Ill-Defined
2009 new claims: 3.5%
Existing claims: 2.7%
Examples include headache, insomnia, coma, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, seasonal affective disorder, anorexia, and other symptoms without a diagnosis.
#7: Nervous System-Related Issues
2009 new claims: 6.7%
Existing claims: 13.7%
Examples include multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, sciatica, paralysis, dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Bell's palsy, and Guillian-Barre syndrome.
#6: Complications of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Puerperium
2009 new claims: 7.5%
Existing claims: 1.4%
Examples include normal delivery, Caesarian section, complications of pregnancy, toxemia, ectopic pregnancy, and pre-term complications.
#5: Mental Disorders
2009 new claims: 7.8%
Existing claims: 7.2%
Examples include depression, schizophrenia, drug/alcohol/substance abuse, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
#4: Injuries and Poisoning
2009 new claims: 8.8%
Existing claims: 7.2%
Examples include fractures, sprains and strains, dislocations, contusions, burns, poisoning, and allergic reactions.
#3: Cardiovascular/Circulatory Conditions
2009 new claims: 8.9%
Existing claims: 13.1%
Examples include hypertension, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, coronary artery disease, and phlebitis.
#2: Cancer and Neoplasms
2009 new claims: 15.3%
Existing claims: 8.4%
Examples include breast cancer, prostate cancer, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, and tumors.
#1: Musculoskeletal/Connective Issues
2009 New claims: 26.2%
Existing claims: 28.5%
Examples include arthritis, herniated or degenerated disc, back pain, spine/joint disorders, cartilage sprain, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, rheumatism, and scoliosis.
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