Our team at Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. specializes in helping individuals secure SSD benefits. With over 100 years of experience, we can help you secure the benefits you deserve.
Understanding Cardiovascular System Impairments
Cardiovascular impairments affect the heart and blood vessels and include many types of heart disease. However, not all cardiovascular impairments are heart diseases. Blood clots and issues in major blood vessels can impact the cardiovascular system without affecting the heart directly.
These impairments can cause severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain. And, each of these symptoms can make it difficult to work. Thus, obtaining Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can provide much-needed financial support.
Is Cardiovascular Disease a Disability?
Yes, cardiovascular disease can qualify as a disability under the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines if it significantly limits your ability to work. The SSA recognizes a variety of heart conditions as disabilities, including:
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Symptomatic congenital heart disease
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
- Blood clots that impair blood flow
Other conditions affecting the heart muscle, heart rhythm, or major blood vessels may also qualify. If your condition prevents you from maintaining substantial gainful activity (SGA), you have a strong chance of qualifying for SSD.
What Does It Take to Qualify for SSD With a Cardiovascular Impairment?
To qualify for SSD benefits you must meet specific medical and work-related criteria. Here are some criteria that the SSA looks for:
- Medical Evidence: You need thorough documentation of your condition. Provide detailed documentation showing reduced blood supply or heart damage. These documents might include stress tests, cardiac catheterization, or imaging.
- Blue Book Listing: The SSA’s Blue Book outlines specific criteria for cardiovascular issues. Reference the Book to learn what you’ll need to prove your disability.
- Work Limitations: You must show that your condition prevents you from performing work. These criteria can include limitations caused by fatigue, shortness of breath, or other symptoms.
Learn more about the Social Security Administration’s Cardiovascular disability evaluation criteria by visiting the SSA Blue Book.
Can You Still Qualify if You Do Not Meet Blue Book Criteria?
Yes, you may still qualify for SSD benefits through a Medical-Vocational Allowance if your condition does not meet Blue Book criteria. This option considers your age, education, work history, and physical limitations.
For example, someone with symptomatic congenital heart disease who struggles to maintain a steady heart rate may qualify if they cannot perform their trained-for-job role.
What Evidence Supports a Disability Claim?
Substantial medical evidence is critical to winning an SSD claim for cardiovascular impairments.
Essential documentation includes:
- Test Results: Stress tests, echocardiograms (or heart ultrasounds), or reports on pumping blood flow and heart rhythm.
- Treatment Records: Notes from cardiologists (or heart doctors) detailing the progression of your condition and responses to treatment
- Personal Impact: Showing a detailed account of how symptoms like fatigue or an irregular heartbeat limit your ability to work or complete daily tasks
Gathering this evidence can be overwhelming, but our experienced team can help ensure your application is complete and accurate.
Is It Difficult to Prove a Cardiovascular Disability Claim?
Proving a cardiovascular disability claim can be challenging for several reasons:
- Complex Criteria: The SSA requires detailed evidence to confirm that your condition limits your ability to work.
- Inconsistent Symptoms: Many cardiovascular conditions, like irregular heartbeat or chest pain, can vary in severity, making it harder to demonstrate consistent limitations.
- Incomplete Applications: Without proper legal guidance, many applicants fail to provide sufficient evidence or documentation.
At Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd., we have the skills and experience to address these challenges and build a strong case for your cardiovascular disability claim.
FAQs About Cardiovascular Disabilities and SSD
Why Should You Work With a Disability Attorney for Cardiovascular Impairments?
Working with a skilled disability attorney improves your chance of securing SSD benefits for heart conditions. Disability lawyers understand how the SSA determines disability and will help you craft an application with all of the necessary information. We can gather evidence, prepare your case, and guide you through the application or appeal.
What Types of Heart Conditions Qualify for SSD Benefits?
The SSA recognizes various heart conditions. These include congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease (CAD), and symptomatic congenital heart disease as potential disabilities. The severity of the condition and its impact on your ability to work are key factors.
What If My Cardiovascular Impairment Was Present at Birth?
Conditions present at birth may qualify for SSD benefits. To do so, they must significantly impact your daily life and work capacity.
How Can a Disability Attorney Help With My Claim?
An attorney ensures that your application includes all required medical evidence, presents your case effectively, and increases your chances of approval.
Are you looking for more answers?
Visit our complete FAQ page for detailed information on disability claims and how we can help you secure your benefits.
Why Choose Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd.?
The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. is a trusted partner for navigating Social Security Disability claims. We have over 100 years of experience dedicated exclusively to Social Security Disability law. This background allows us to help clients secure the benefits they need.
Here’s why clients trust us to handle their claims:
- Specialized Experience: Decades of dedication to SSD law have given us a thorough understanding of SSA processes, rules, and criteria.
- Notable Leadership: Attorney Jeffrey A. Rabin served as chairperson of the Chicago Bar Association Social Security Law Committee. He was also appointed to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Coordination Committee.
- Contingency-Based Fees: No money upfront, no hourly fees. We only charge fees if we win your case. The SSA must approve any such fees.
- Proven Track Record: We’ve helped thousands of clients navigate the SSD application and appeals process. Our support provides financial stability and peace of mind.
- Convenient Consultations: We offer virtual client interviews via MS Teams and Zoom.
Our team understands the financial and emotional challenges related to living with a disability. In response, we provide personalized support every step of the way.
