Heart conditions can prevent you from completing work duties and maintaining gainful employment, so some patients are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Certain heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart transplants or congestive heart failure, qualify you for automatic disability benefits, but there are also benefits for medical-vocational allowance, which is granted according to the details of the case.
What are the Social Security Listings for Coronary Heart Disease?
The Social Security listings related to cardiac conditions are located in Section 4.00 under the Cardiovascular System. These listings can be quite complex, so it’s important to consult with your physician to determine your eligibility.
Coronary heart disease encompasses a number of heart conditions that narrow the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen and blood to the heart. This occurs when cholesterol accumulates on the artery walls. Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, is the most common type of heart disease in the United States.
Coronary artery disease is found under the listing 4.04 for heart disease symptoms. These include:
·A subpar exercise tolerance test
·Three ischemic episodes that involve the loss of adequate blood flow that requires bypass surgery or angioplasty within a 12-month period
·An angiographic or other testing showing significant narrowing of a non-bypassed artery that causes limitations in daily life
What if I Don’t Qualify?
If you don’t meet the requirements of a listing, you may still be eligible under the Residual Functional Capacity, which describes the extent of the tasks you can perform with your limitations. Based on this information, Social Security may determine that your limitations prevent you from performing full-time work, which is a medical-vocational allowance.
Why You Should Consult an Attorney
Applying for Social Security disability with coronary heart disease or other heart conditions can be a challenge, which is why it’s best to consult a qualified attorney, like Benjamin Decker of Decker Law Office. We’re here to help you win your case, so contact us today for your free consultation!