What are the 30 most common medical reasons for disability at work according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10)?

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Last updated: February 10, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Common Causes of Work Disability

The top three most commonly reported causes of work disability are:

  • Back/neck problems, reported by 30.3% of respondents 1
  • Depression/anxiety/emotional problems, reported by 21.0% of respondents 1
  • Arthritis/rheumatism, reported by 18.6% of respondents 1

Musculoskeletal Conditions and Work Disability

Musculoskeletal conditions are among the most common causes of work disability overall and by age- and sex-specific respondents across diagnosed chronic conditions 1

Mental Health and Work Disability

Common mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are associated with reduced labor force participation, degraded employment trajectories, and impaired work performance 2, 3 Comorbid mental disorders pose a high risk for disability pension 2

ICD-10 and Work Disability

The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), is used to classify and code diseases, including those that cause work disability 4, 5 The ICD-10 includes a multiaxial system for evaluating mental and behavioral disorders, which includes axes for clinical syndromes, disabilities, and environmental/circumstantial factors 4

Overweight and Common Mental Disorders

Overweight and common mental disorders are associated with an increased risk of disability retirement, particularly due to musculoskeletal and mental diagnoses 5 The risk of disability retirement is additively higher for individuals with both overweight and common mental disorders 5

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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