To evaluate the burden of nervous system disorders in the US using a health economics policy framework over time.

Health loss attributable to disorders affecting the nervous system in the US in 2021 amounted to 16.6 million disability-associated life years (DALYs) with 7.4 million years of life lost (YLLs). Regulatory agencies quantify the loss to the economy through the value of a statistical life year (VSLY) and value of a quality-adjusted life year (VQALY) around five times per-capita gross domestic product (GDP.)

We utilized recommended VSLY/VQALY values and methodology from the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS). We projected the US burden of disorders affecting the nervous system to the index year of 2025 and over ten years, with annual growth rate of 1.1%, and discounting rate of 3%. Total VQALYs were the product of  VQALY and US DALYs. Total VSLYs were the product of VSLYs and US YLLs. We performed two-way analyses varying the valuation estimates between low and high recommended values and upper and lower bounds for DALYs and YLLs. All analyses were calculated using 2024 USD.

In 2025, US economic losses from disorders affecting the nervous system are estimated at $12.7 trillion VQALYs and $4.7 trillion VSLYs. Over 10 years (2026-2035), total VQALYs are projected at $108.4 trillion and total VSLYs at $39.2 trillion. In two-way analysis, 2025 estimates ranged $4.5-$25.7 trillion for VQALYs and $1.6-11.0 trillion for VSLYs, most influenced by the values for VSLY and VQALY supplied by DHHS.

Using current guidelines for economic valuation from DHHS, the regulatory and cost burden for disorders affecting the nervous system is estimated to exceed one-third of US GDP. In prioritizing funding allocation, the DHHS, NIH and other bodies should consider the overwhelming losses to the US economy associated with these disorders and act accordingly.