Cardiovascular System Disorders and SSDI

According to the American Heart Association, over 80,000 Americans have one form or another of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease encompasses any disease of the heart muscle. This includes the following:

• Coronary artery disease — (plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries)
• Hypertensive cardiomyopathy — (weakened hart caused by high blood pressure)
• Congenital or congestive heart failure — (heart can’t pump enough blood to body’s other organs)
• Cardiac arrhythmias — (problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat)
• Valvular heart disease — (damage to or a defect in one of the four heart valves)
• Ischemia — (blood flow to heart muscle decreased by blockage of coronary artery)

Some heart disease has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle and the victim may inherit the condition at birth.

Determination of Disability Benefits

Disability is determined using a five-step sequential evaluation process conducted by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These are the five requirements in determining disability:

1. Substantial gainful activity (SGA)— If the applicant is currently engaged in SGA, there is no disability
2. Severe impairment — An impairment is considered severe if it significantly limits a person’s physical or mental ability to do basic work activities.
3. Listing of impairments — If the applicant’s condition meets the requirements on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, then the applicant is ruled disabled.
4. Past relevant work — A medial assessment is performed to determine whether the impairment prevents the applicant from performing his past relevant work.
5. Other work — The SSA evaluates whether the applicant can perform other available work.

Once the disability evaluation requirements have been met and the disability has been proven, disability payments will begin after a six-month waiting period.

Covered Disorders

The Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments for cardiovascular system disorders include the following:

• 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

Filing a Claim

When filing a Social Security disability claim for cardiovascular disorder, it is important to support your claim with sufficient documentation such as:

• Detailed history reports
• Physical examination records
• Laboratory testing results
• Prescribed treatment or medications

This should allow the Social Security Administration to assess the severity and duration of your impairment.

Benefits Determination

The amount of your monthly disability check is based on your average lifetime earnings. Generally, you will receive an amount equal to what you would receive if you were to begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits at full retirement age. The disability benefit monthly average is around $900. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a separate program administered by Social Security that pays monthly benefits to the elderly, the blind and people with disabilities who have low income and few material assets. The maximum SSI benefit is around $600 for an individual and $900 for a couple. More on Disability Compensation for Cardiovascular Diseases.

Claim Denials

If your claim for disability is denied, the first step in the appeal process is to file a written request for reconsiderations within sixty days of the notification of denial. You should receive written notice of the decision within thirty days. If your application for reconsideration is denied, you have the right to an appeal before an Administrative Law Judge who is employed by the Social Security Administration. If the Administrative Law Judge denies your claim, you can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council. If you are denied at all appeal levels, you have the right to file a lawsuit in federal court.

Help From a Disability Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been denied Social Security disability benefits, you should contact a disability attorney. Statistics show that claimants have a much better chance of success with an experienced attorney at their hearing.