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Top 3 causes of long-term disability for workers

On Behalf of | Apr 4, 2022 | Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Some illnesses and injuries are just short setbacks. You get sidelined for a week or two, maybe even a month. But then you are back on your feet, going to work and earning money.

However, other conditions can leave you permanently unable to work again. Then, you must consider the option of filing for long-term disability. Below are the three main reasons for needing long-term disability benefits:

  1. Musculoskeletal: Roughly 25% of all long-term disabilities arise from injuries or conditions involving the back, ligaments or joints, the Council for Disability Awareness (CDA) reports. The most common diagnosis associated with a disability is arthritis. Medical and dental professionals that handle instruments all day are particularly affected by this condition.
  2. Cancer: Some cancers can be linked to workplace exposures e.g., mesothelioma. Others may be due to genetics or just bad luck. About 70K otherwise healthy Americans aged 20 to 39 get cancer diagnoses every year. Most will need time off work to seek treatment.
  3. Cardiovascular: The CDA reports that heart disease forms the basis of nearly 10 percent of all long-term disability claims. Sufferers can lose months of work recovering from heart attacks and related cardiovascular conditions.

Can you get workplace benefits for your long-term health condition?

Maybe. If work conditions caused or contributed to your injuries or illness, it might be possible to make a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Those with unrelated health problems can turn to the Social Security Administration for assistance with filing for disability benefits.

It is worthwhile exploring every angle after being sidelined for long-term disability. Information and advice are available when you don’t know where to turn.