2. What Medical Conditions Qualify For Ill Health Retirement?
Below is a broad list of medical conditions that might be considered for ill health early retirement.
Remember though, the presence of a condition doesn’t automatically qualify someone; the severity, permanence, and impact on the ability to work are crucial factors:
1. Neurological Conditions
– Multiple sclerosis
– Parkinson’s disease
– Severe and advanced neuropathies
– Significant traumatic brain injuries
2. Cardiovascular Diseases
– Severe heart failure
– Severe coronary artery disease not amenable to intervention
– Uncontrolled severe hypertension
3. Musculoskeletal Conditions
– Severe osteoarthritis
– Chronic severe back conditions which have not responded to treatment
– Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases in advanced stages
– Severe osteoporosis with recurrent fractures
4. Respiratory Diseases
– Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in advanced stages
– Severe asthma that remains uncontrolled despite treatment
– Advanced pulmonary fibrosis
5. Mental Health Conditions
– Severe depression or bipolar disorder resistant to treatment
– Schizophrenia and other major psychotic disorders where control is not achieved
– Severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
6. Cancers
– Advanced cancers with limited prognosis
– Cancers with significant disability post-treatment
7. Endocrine Conditions
– Poorly controlled diabetes with frequent hospitalizations or complications
– Severe thyroid disorders uncontrolled by treatment
8. Kidney Diseases
– End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis
– Chronic and severe kidney conditions not amenable to treatment
9. Liver Diseases
– Cirrhosis with complications such as ascites, variceal bleeding, or encephalopathy
10. Sensory Impairments
– Severe and progressive vision loss not amenable to correction
– Severe hearing loss not corrected by aids
11. Digestive Disorders
– Severe inflammatory bowel diseases uncontrolled by treatment
– Severe chronic liver diseases
12. Immunological Conditions
– Advanced stages of HIV/AIDS
– Severe and recurrent autoimmune conditions
13. Other Chronic Conditions
– Conditions leading to recurrent visits to the hospital
– Conditions that have led to significant, lasting physical or cognitive impairments
14. Disabling Injuries
– Significant traumatic injuries leading to lasting impairments
– Injuries leading to paralysis, amputation, or severe functional limitation
Remember, the criteria for ill health retirement can be strict. The condition must not only be severe but often must also be permanent or long term and significantly impact someone’s ability to perform their job duties.