Disability Lawyers’ Blog

New Types of Disability Claims Increasing

The world is rapidly changing – and as a result so are the types of Social Security Disability Claims that are being filed and approved.

The major insurer Cigna released a 20-year disability study, compiled from an analysis of more than 1.5 million short-term disability claims. And the results reflect the changing world in which we live.

 Disability Claims for Obesity Increase

From the years 1993 to 2012, the study found that disability claims related to obesity increased by 3,300%. Obesity accounted for only 0.04% of claims in 1993, and ranked No. 173 out of 267 diagnostic causes of workplace absence. By 2012 obesity had moved up to the 40the spot on the list making up 0.7% of disability claims.

Obesity causes wear and tear on the joints and limbs, as well as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes – leading to heart attacks as well as the need for joint replacements.

Disability Claims for Skin Cancer Increase

The Cigna study also found that disability claims related to skin cancer increased more than 300% in the from 1993 to 2012. In 1993, skin cancer was only No. 91 on the list of 267 diagnostic reasons for absence from work, making up only 0.2% of disability claims. But by 2012, it was number 27 on the list, accounting for almost 1% of all disability claims.

Analysts believe that the popularity of tanning and going to tanning salons contributed greatly to the increase in skin cancer disability claims. Additionally, the other factor at play is the ageing of the working population – many of whom spent a lifetime in the sun and developed skin cancer later in life.

In addition to recreational sun exposure, many workers are subject to harmful UV sunlight as a result of their occupation – such as mail carriers, construction workers, landscapers, etc.

Disability Claims for Depression Still a Leading Disability

Major depressive disorder continues to be the leading cause of Disability claims in the United States for employees between the ages of 15 and 44. However, the number of Disability claims related to depression have decreased slightly 1993. Analysts believe that improvements in antidepressant drugs, and a greater understanding of depressive disorders are having a positive effect on workers ability to be successfully treated, so that they can remain in the workforce.

 Long Beach Disability Lawyers

If you or a loved one is unable to work due to a disabling injury, medical condition or disease our skilled and experienced lawyers are here to help you get the maximum Social Security Disability benefits for which you qualify.

The Law Office of Cantrell Green is a group of highly qualified and experienced disability lawyers who have obtained millions of dollars in Social Security Disability benefits for thousands of clients in Long Beach, Orange County and the greater Los Angeles. Our lawyers care about every client, and fight tirelessly to obtain the benefits you deserve.

Disability Attorney Consultation: 800-964-8047