Affiliations: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298,
USA
Note: [] Virginia Commonwealth University, Depts. Of Rehabilitation
Counseling, Psychology and Psychiatry, School of Allied Health Professions, PO
Box 980330, Richmond, VA 23298-0330, USA. Tel.: +1 804 827 0916; Fax: +1 804
828 1321; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: This study is part of a larger investigation that explored the
phenomenon called the Progression of Disability Benefits (PODB). PODB refers to
the migration of workers with work-limiting disabilities through a system of
economic disability benefits, resulting for some in their ultimate placement
into the Social Security disability system. The present study focuses on 6,035
claims submitted to a large disability insurance company for financial support
following the development of a mental disorder and examines the PODB phenomenon
within this population. The study found significant relationships between
demographic, work-related, International Classification of Diseases volume 9
(ICD-9) disorder, and benefit claims patterns. Claimants receiving mental
disability benefits were more likely to be younger, female and to progress to
advanced benefits than those with physical disabilities. Mental disability
claims were most often based upon Mood disorders, followed by
Anxiety/Stress-related and Substance-related disorders. Mood and Anxiety
disorder clusters were comprised predominantly of females, whereas claimants
with Substance-related disorders were predominantly male. Mental disorder type
varied across US geographical region and industry type. PODB varied across
disability type, gender, geographical region, and industry type.
Keywords: mental disorder, employee benefits, insurance, social security, disability
