Heart health is a vital part one’s overall well-being. Without a healthy heart and cardiovascular system, an individual may be susceptible to diseases and disorders that can leave them in danger of disability and early death. The good news is that many of those who suffer from medical conditions that affect their cardiovascular system can find effective treatment. This is not to say that their condition will not affect their day-to-day lives. In fact, many cardiovascular issues make it impossible for individuals to live a normal life and maintain employment.
Those who are unable to work may be able to find financial relief through Social Security disability. In order to be awarded benefits, though, an individual must prove to the Social Security Administration that he or she meets federal requirements. For cardiovascular conditions, this means includes showing that an individual’s heart or veins and arteries are impaired.
There are a number of ways to show impairment. One way is to provide documentation evidencing chronic heart failure or dysfunction with ventricular functions. Another way to prove impairment is to provide objective evidence of myocardial ischemia in conjunction with specific symptoms. Pulmonary vascular disease and decreased oxygen concentration in the arteries’ blood can also demonstrate cardiovascular impairment.
This is a simplified view of the conditions that may qualify for SSD benefits, and proving that a condition is severe enough to qualify as a disability can be complicated. However, if a cardiovascular condition has rendered a person unable to work, he or she should consider seeking Social Security disability benefits. To learn more about how the SSD system works and the requirements that must be met before benefits may be awarded, an individual may wish to seek legal counsel.
Source: Social Security Administration, “4.00 Cardiovascular System – Adult,” accessed on Oct. 2, 2016