Types of Heart Conditions That May Qualify for Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes many heart conditions as potentially disabling under cardiovascular disorders in its official list of impairments that can qualify for disability benefits.
Sometimes called the “blue book,” the list details the information you need when you apply for benefits for many different conditions, cardiovascular and otherwise.
Your form of heart disease—or any medical condition you have—must be severe enough to put you out of work for at least a year in order to win benefits.
Common heart conditions that can support a disability claim include:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): Reduced blood flow to the heart can cause angina, fatigue or heart attacks.
- Heart failure: When the heart can’t pump effectively, it can limit even basic activities.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats can cause dizziness, fainting or fatigue.
- Cardiomyopathy: A weakened heart muscle can lead to shortness of breath and reduced stamina.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Poor circulation affects both the heart and mobility.
- Congenital or structural heart defects: The SSA listing of impairments also includes certain genetic heart conditions.
- Post-surgery complications: Ongoing symptoms after bypass surgery, valve replacement, or stent procedures can qualify.
Applying for disability benefits for heart disease requires showing how your case is limiting enough that you can’t continue in your work or switch to lighter work.
How can you tell if your heart disease qualifies for Social Security Disability?
Our Georgia disability lawyers can help you figure it out, for free.
How to Strengthen a Heart Disease Disability Claim in Georgia
To decide if you’ll win disability benefits, Social Security looks at more than your diagnosis.
They want to see how your heart disease affects your functional capacity: your ability to work, focus and stay consistent.
If shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, or other symptoms prevent you from performing your job (or any job you’re qualified for), you may be eligible for benefits.
To prove your case, medical documentation is critical. This can include:
- Test results such as EKGs, stress tests, echocardiograms or cardiac catheterization reports
- Hospital and surgical records
- Medication lists and documented side effects
- Statements from cardiologists and other treating doctors
- Functional evidence showing how your symptoms impact your ability to perform daily activities (sitting, standing, walking, carrying objects, etc.)
Even if your condition doesn’t meet every technical listing requirement, you may still qualify for disability benefits through a medical-vocational allowance, which considers how your heart disease affects your ability to complete tasks day-to-day.
You can also include in your disability claim how other health conditions reduce your ability to work along with heart disease.
Because many heart disease claims are initially denied, you’ll want an experienced team of Social Security Disability lawyers. You don’t pay an attorney’s fee until you win benefits.
At Silver & Archibald, we:
- Work directly with your doctors to get clear medical evidence that proves your case
- Prepare your Social Security file thoroughly to avoid errors that lead to denials
- Handle every step of the process, from application to appeal
- Keep you updated on the status of your claim
- Stand by your side at appeals hearings and fight for the benefits you’ve earned
We know the local Social Security offices, judges, and health care networks in Georgia. Unlike large out-of-state firms, we take the time to get to know you and your situation personally.
If you’re struggling to work because of heart disease in Atlanta, Augusta, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Savannah, or anywhere in Georgia, Silver & Archibald is ready to help you find a way forward.
When heart disease has disrupted your life, contact us today to start pursuing financial relief.
Get to Know Silver & Archibald Disability Attorneys
Legal cases involving your health struggles are highly personal matters. When you’re looking for help, you want someone who treats you with the personal care, respect, and dignity this moment requires.
Answers to Common Questions About Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability is a huge program with a vast set of rules. As a resource for you as you sort out your disability claim, the disability lawyers at Silver & Archibald have prepared answers to some of the most common questions people have.
Common Disability Benefits Questions »
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