Heart Disease & Other Cardiovascular Disabilities: Social Security Disability
The Social Security Administration organizes Cardiovascular System disabilities into these eight categories:
- Chronic Heart Failure
- Ischemic Heart Disease
- Recurrent Arrhythmias
- Symptomatic Congenital Heart Disease
- Heart Transplant
- Aneurysm of Aorta or major Branches
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- Peripheral Arterial Disease
When reviewing Cardiovascular Disability applications and appeals for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the Social Security Administration pays close attention to how the cardiovascular disability affects the claimant’s ability to work. If your disability prevents you from working for at least twelve consecutive months, you most likely qualify for SSDI. Call Freedom Disability at (866) 761-5942 to speak with our professional Advocates who have the experience needed to win your claim. Our Advocates can help determine if your condition is likely to result in a successful SSDI application. If you do qualify, we can provide you with the assistance that you need to get the benefits that you deserve. If you have previously been denied benefits, but feel your condition makes you eligible, contact us today at (866) 761-5942.
Chronic Heart Failure
Chronic Heart Failure is the inability for the heart to pump sufficient oxygen to the rest of the body. Chronic Heart Failure are characterized symptoms are characterized by limited cardiac output or signs of pulmonary or systematic congestion (fluid retention). Freedom Disability will assist you in gathering the required medical documents to support your claim. Claimants are typically approved for SSDI applications and appeals with medically documented presence of one of the following symptoms:
- Systolic failure with left ventricular end diastolic dimensions greater than 6.0 cm or ejection fraction of 30 percent or less during a period of stability
- Diastolic failure with left ventricular posterior wall plus septal thickness totaling 2.5 cm or greater on imaging. The left atrium must be enlarged greater than or equal to 4.5 cm, with elevated or normal ejection fraction during a period of stability
These symptoms must result in at least one of the following:
- Reoccurring symptoms of heart failure, which significantly limit your ability to complete everyday tasks, required for independent living. The completion of these tasks must present a significant risk to the claimant.
- Three of more episodes of acute heart failure within a consecutive twelve-month period with clinical and imaging evidence of fluid retention. These episodes must require hospitalization or extended physician intervention.
- Inability to perform an exercise tolerance test at a workload equivalent to 5 METs or less due to:
Three or more consecutive premature ventricular contractions, or increasing frequency of ventricular ectopy with at least 6 premature ventricular contractions per minute
Dyspnea, palpitations, chest discomfort or fatigue
Signs attributed to inadequate cerebral perfusion such as mental confusion or ataxic gait
Decrease of 10mm Hg or more in systolic pressure below the baseline systolic blood pressure or the preceding systolic pressure measured during exercise due to left ventricular dysfunction despite an increase in workload.
If you feel you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, or have any questions concerning your symptoms call Freedom Disability today at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation with one of our Advocates. Freedom Advocates specialize in Social Security Disability applications and appeals providing the professional experience needed to win your claim. Back to Cardiac Disabilities
Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) is occurs when one or more of your coronary arteries is narrowed or obstructed, which interferes with normal blood flow to your heart muscle. Claimants are typically approved for Social Security Disability Insurance applications and appeals with symptoms due to myocardial ischemia, while on a regimen of prescribed treatment with at least one of the following:
- Sign or symptoms limited exercise tolerance test at a workload equivalent to 5 METs or less indicating at least one of the following:
Down sloping or horizontal depression, in the absence of digitalis glycoside treatment of hypokalemia, or the ST segment of at least -0.10 millivolts in at least 3 consecutive complexes that are on a baseline level in any lead other than aVR, and depression of at least -0.10 millivolts lasting for at least one minute of recovery
Decrease of 10 mm Hg or more in systolic pressure below the baseline blood pressure or the preceding systolic pressure measured during exercise due to left ventricular dysfunction, despite and increase in workload
At least 0.1 millivolt ST elevation above resting baseline in non-infarct leads during both exercise and one of more minutes of recovery
Documented ischemia at an exercise level equivalent to 5 METs or less on appropriate medical imaging such as radionuclide perfusion scans or stress echocardiography - Three separate ischemic episodes, each requiring revascularization within a consecutive twelve month period
- Coronary artery disease, demonstrated by angiography or appropriate medical imaging, and in the absence of an exercise tolerance test or normal drug induced stress test. An medical consultant must also conclude performance of an exercise tolerance test would present a significant risk to the claimant with both of the following:
Angiographic evidence showing the narrowing of the coronary artery (your Freedom Advocate will assist you with the specific dimensions).
Significant limitation in the ability to independently initiate, sustain and complete activities of daily living
Recurrent Arrhythmias
Recurrent Arrhythmias are characterized by changes in your regular heartbeat. Your heart may seem to skip a beat, beat irregularly, or beat very slowly. Claimants are typically approved for Social Security Disability benefits applications and appeals when their arrhythmias are not related to reversible causes result in recurrent, episodes of cardiac syncope, or near syncope, despite prescribed treatment. The arrhythmias must be documented by resting or ambulatory electrocardiography or other appropriate medical testing. Back to Cardiac Disabilities
Symptomatic Congenital Heart Disease
Claimants applying or appealing for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits with Symptomatic Congenital Heart Disease are typically approved when they present documentation of the disease with appropriate medical imaging or cardiac catheterization with at least one of the following:
- Cyanosis at rest and
Hematocrit of 55 percent or greater
Arterial O 2 saturation of less than 90 percent of room air, or resting PO 2 of 60 Torr or less
- Intermittent left to right shunting resulting in cyanosis on exertion and with arterial PO 2 of 60 Torr or less at a workload of 5 METs or less
- Secondary pulmonary vascular obstructive disease with pulmonary arterial systolic pressure elevated to at least 70 percent of the systemic arterial systolic pressure
If you believe your condition qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits call Freedom Disability today at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation with one of our professional Advocates. At Freedom we specialize in Social Security applications and appeals and our Advocates have the past experience needed to win your claim. Call Freedom today and start your application for the benefits you deserve. Back to Cardiac Disabilities
Heart Transplant
Claimants are considered to be under disability for one year after surgery. Past that date, beneficiaries will be reviewed and evaluated at their current state. Back to Cardiac Disabilities
Aneurysm of Aorta or Major Branches
Claimants applying or appealing for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits with aneurysms of the aorta or major branches of the heart due to any cause are typically approved when their condition is documented by appropriate medical imaging with dissection not controlled by prescribed treatment. Back to Cardiac Disabilities
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Claimants applying and appealing for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are typically approved with chronic venous insufficiency of a lower extremity with incompetence or obstruction of the deep venous system and one of the following:
- Extensive brawny edema involving at least two thirds of the leg between the ankle and knee, or the distal one third between the ankle and hip
- Superficial varicosities, stasis dermatitis and either recurrent ulceration or persistent ulceration that has not healed following at least three months of prescribed treatment
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Claimants with Peripheral Arterial Disease are typically approved for applications and appeals when their condition, as determined by medically appropriate imaging, causing intermittent claudication and one of the following symptoms:
- Resting ankle/brachial systolic blood pressure of less than 0.50
- Decrease in systolic blood pressure at the ankle on exercise of 50 percent or more of pre-exercise level and requiring 10 minutes or more to return to pre-exercise level
- Resting toe systolic pressure of less than 30 mm Hg
- Resting toe/brachial blood pressure ratio of less than 0.40 Back to Cardiac Disabilities
If you feel your condition qualifies you for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits call Freedom Disability today at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation with one of our Social Security Advocates. Our advocates will assist you in gathering the necessary medical documents needed for you claim and provide the professional experience to be approved as soon as possible. Call Freedom today to begin the process of receiving the SSDI benefits that you deserve.
The foregoing information is based on published materials from the Social Security Administration (“Disability Evaluation Under Social Security”). It is meant to serve as an introduction to some of the factors used by the SSA in evaluating cases. It is no way comprehensive. While Freedom Disability can help you prepare an effective application for benefits, only the SSA can determine whether or not you qualify. For more information call Freedom today at (866) 761-5942.
I PRENSENTLY SUFFER SEVERAL CHRONIC ILLNESSES WHICH ARE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE2,TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK,CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE, AND ANXIETY. MY QUESTION IS, WOULD I BE ELEGIBLE FOR BENEFITS?
I had to take early retirement in 2005 . I had open heart surgery in 1992 . have a lot of auritis , degenerity austoid I did fine for years after surgery . then took vioxx for auther and about 1 year and a half later my body fell apart .I got double vision , dizzy spells , heart beat rapid , sick to my stomuch . felt faint . heart dr. rran all kind of test . put me in the hospital 3 times . all test came back ok .at the same time they were giving me my meds. that I took every day . they did another heart cath , but found nothing .kept having very bad spells . just felt like I was dying heart started beating so fast after months of test . they finaly caught that . they did heart inversion to get back in rythum , that lasted a couple months and went to A FIB been there ever sence . after that I found out they pulled vioxx because it caused heart problems and death . I disn’t die but it has lasting effects . short of breath , can’t walk very far before resting . have scoliosis in the top of my spine now and my spine is twisted in the small of my back . tried therapy but only way to stand the pain is to take pills every 4 hours . I filed for disability and was turned down , have appealed 4 times , but still turned down . DO I HAVE A CHANCE ?
Shirley,
Sorry about all your medical problems. You say you took early retirement. If that means you are already collecting Social Security then you can’t also get Social Security disability. You also say you were denied four times. There could be a number of reasons for that. It could be that you don’t meet the work history criteria. Or, your medical history was not complete enough. Or Social Security felt your condition at the time was not severe enough to prevent you from working. If you still think you meet SSA’s eligibility requirements then perhaps you should try to apply again, but with the help of a good disability advocate. You may want to review your chances with a Freedom Disability Eligibility Consultant. If interested, call 866-347-2910.
when i was 39 i had 7 heart attachs that ended with a stent six months later i had to have a triple bypass that didnt work and had to have another the same day , i now have issues with my circulation in my legs and feet . My feet are always very cold. do you think i would qualify . Im 42 Now and don’t work.
Maleena,
Social Security is very strict about determining eligiblity for disability benefits. First you have to be insured for benefits which means that you have worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. For someone 31 years of age and older the work rule is to have worked a total of five years, or 20 credits, within the last 10 years. By what you say, it appears that you do not have enough work history to qualify you at this time. If you have very low income and few resources you could qualify for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, based on disability. It would be best to contact your local Social Security office if you think you meet the criteria for SSI. Please read our article “What is Supplemental Security Income?”
Yes I Have High Bloob Presure , COPD ,Back & Knee Pain, High Cholesterol . Have not tried for disability didn’t think I would Quaify . I am 59 years old an haven’t worked in about 12 years. I was a self employed Plumber. Social Security say I haven’t got enough credits to get Disability. Someone said I maybe could take credits from spouses creditsis that right would like to know
Walter,
If your spouse’s work credits are from self-employment in a business in which you both participated, it is possible that she can reallocate earned income by amending previously filed tax returns. Whether this would be a good option for you would depend on the advice of an attorney and a tax advisor.
im 40 yrs now i have alot medical problems i have chf 8times in 1yr BLOOD PRESSURE, DIABETES, Knee Pain, High Cholesterol ,4Brain Aneurysm.do you think i would qualify .
Lisa,
You must prove to SSA that your medical condition is severe and is preventing you from working at any job. SSA uses vocational guidelines to determine if a person is unable to retrain for different work. Age, education and work history are all part of the equation. Our article about vocational grids is worth a read to help you decide if you could qualify.
I HAVE A PACEMAKER IS THAT A LEGAL DISABILITY
I have had a facotry five blood disorder since I have been 18 years old. I have had 5 blood clots on my left legs, I currently have one now on my rght side! It is very painful and I can’t walk when I have them! Do I have a chance for disabilty?
Susan,
There’s always a chance. But you have to meet strict eligibility criteria for either Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Your age, education, ability to work as well as the severity of your medical condition are all part of the eligibility equation. Based on your comment, it’s hard for me to say if you qualify so, you should consider calling in to talk to one of our Eligiblity Consultants at 866-347-2910. Also, our articles on Disability Benefits and Eligibility for these programs will help you understand if you qualify.
I am 61 years old, have had three heart attacks and just had bipass surgery the 4th of October. Six bipasses were done. I am now, trying to determine whether I will be able to return to my job. It is factory work and I am a bit nervous and skeptical. I have worked since I was 16. What are my chances of getting Disability?
Hi Archie,
Due to your age, medical conditions, prior work conditions, and the fact you have paid into Social Security system since you were 16, I would say your chance of receiving Social Security Disability benefits are above average. I would encourage you to reach out to one of our eligibility consultants at 866-761-5942, and they will be able to provide you more information in regards to your specific case. Thank you
My husband is 71 and has suffered from AF for the past 6 years. Would he qualify for benefits?
My husband is 58 & had a heart transplant in 2008. He returned to work after 8 months but has increasinly developed symptoms from all the meds he must take that severely limit his ability to work: dizziness, chronic leg pain, memory loss, nueropothy, hand shakes, and more. He is currently unemployed for 7 months. He’s spoken to his dr about temp. disability but his dr. suggested permanent disability instead but also advised him to get help in applying for it. We live in CA. What direction should we take?
Hi Esther,
Thank you for your post. It sounds like we are going to be able to assist your husband in applying for Social Security Disability benefits. The first step is to get an evaluation from one of our eligibility consultants. When you call in you’ll be asked some questions about your condition and how it interferes with your ability to work. You’ll also be asked about your work history to help determine if you are insured for benefits, which you said you already are. This free consultation will also give you some guidance on what your next steps should be. I hope you’ll call us at 866-761-5942.
In 2002 I was 36 and I had my first heart attack, they tell me I survived the widow maker. they put a stent in my right coronary artery. I had no insurance and the medical bills wiped me out, I lost everything , my job my home and my family. I tried to get temporary ssi but was denied , so i spent the next 6 years living on the street of Portland Oregon. with in the first six months of my first heart attack I had four more. but beings I was homeless and no insurance, I was stabilized. and released from the hospital.in the following years I had 2 more heart attacks and still could not get any kind of help from the system. so I made a decisions to help myself, i got back on my feet worked a job that almost killed me more then once, but i got off the streets and had a home again. but back in the spring of 2010 I had two minor episodes, that were dismissed as mild angina attacks, then a few days later I was in the hospital having quadruple by pass. so now I”m on the verge of being homeless and living on the streets again. ( aint life funny that way?) a few months later i was back in the hospital trying to figure out what was wrong, so after test the found I have two more arteries that are 50 and 65% blocked, and i have several small veins on my heart that are completely blocked and there is nothing they can do for the small veins, and they wont do anything for the arteries until they are at least 75% blocked. i have so much damage from all my heart attacks, I cant work anymore, believe me i have tried. But because of my age i dont qualify for ssi . I may be 45 but i have the heart of a 75 year old man.. so I will be lucky to live to 50 . I never asked for a hand out just some compassion and a little help!!! my whole life ssi has taking thousands and thousands of dollars out of my paychecks, but yet I cant get a little help so I can feel like a man again and not a burden to the people who love me. either the heart will kill me or the depression. either way it don”t look good through my eyes!!! thanx for letting me vent.
Hi Donnie,
I’m sorry for the challenging times you have endured because of your disability. I do have to point out that age is not a qualifying factor in obtaining SSI benefits. Supplemental Security Income ( or SSI) is a needs-based program. Eligibility for benefits is determined by what resources and income you have and where and how you live, where as SSDI eligibility is weighted heavilyon your work history and how much you have paid into the system.To qualify for SSI, personal resources cannot be worth more than $2,000 if single and $3,000 if married. If your income level is low enough to meet SSA’s eligibility requirements you could get up to $674 as an individual. The more countable income you have the lower your SSI payment will be. I would recommend reading this article to learn more about SSI eligibility. If you have worked at least 5 out of the last 10 years full time, Freedom Disability might be able to assist you in applying for SSDI benefits. Please give us a call at 866-761-5942 to receive a free, no-obligation consultation. This free consultation will also give you some guidance on what your next steps should be. I hope this helps!
hi my name is nicole brazile ,and june 6 i will have open heart surgery to close the hole in my heart and take out a tumor.and five years from now they will have to go back in and give me a fake value because i only have two.but still will not give me disability.what should i do about that.and im only 36 year old .say a prayer habor ucla.
Hi Nicole,
I would recommend that you speak to one of the Eligibility Consultants at Freedom Disability. They will ask you a few questions regarding your current medical conditions and past work history to determine your eligiblility for SSDI benefits. This is a free consultation, and will give you some more information on what your next steps should be. I hope you’ll call us at 866-761-5942
I had a massive heart attack with 100% blockage of LAD requiring a stent. 3 months later I had chest pains and a 90% blockage adjacent to the original LAD blockage and got my second stent (overlaps 1st). 5 months after that more chest pain, a 75% blockage and a 3rd stent in a new part of the LAD. I seem to meet the criteria wuth 3 separate ischemic events in under a year, but does this mean I get certified for disability for life (I am 52) or do I get re-evaluated every year to keep disability. I started getting minor chest pain again 1 week after the 3rd stent so I might be headed for a 4th stent (just stopped working as I had been working 50-75% since initial heart attack).
I am 61 yrs old and left my job last July because I have hypertropic cardiomyapthy with obstruction. Since then I have been working part time but I’m just not feeling able to continue this either. Should I apply for disability or just hold on till I turn 62 and apply for regular benefits.
Maureen,
I recommend calling Freedom Disability today and speaking to one of our Eligibility Consultants. They will ask you a few questions regarding your current health conditions and past work history to determine your eligibility for our assistance. I hope you’ll give us a call at 866-761-5942.
I have bipolar, and i have a son with add and syncoped and another son with adhd. would any of us quilify for ssi?
My daughter has some kinda ezema on her hands and feet so bad she cant hardly walk without pain and bleeding. But for the past 2yrs the dr. hasnt found nothing to help. Would she quilify?
Tarrina,
Unfortunately she will need a Dr. to back up her disagnosis. I would recommend contacting the Social Security Administration and asking if your daughter qualifies for SSI. Good luck!