Being diagnosed with a severe heart condition can change your life as you know it. You may no longer be able to enjoy physical activities that bring you joy, and you may need to implement considerable lifestyle changes. If you can no longer work to earn a living due to your medical condition, you could claim Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
At Pilzer Klein, we are dedicated to helping those with a disabling condition build a better life. Our Greenville Social Security Disability lawyers will help you receive the financial help you need for a comfortable future. Call us today to see if you have a valid claim for disability benefits.
When Does the SSA Consider a Heart Condition a Disability?
Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, posing a significant health challenge. Cardiovascular conditions typically develop over time due to various factors, such as high blood pressure and a sedentary lifestyle.
These risk factors contribute to plaque accumulation in the arteries, narrowing them and reducing the flow of blood to the heart. If untreated, cardiac impairment can lead to serious complications like heart attacks, stroke, and even death.
When your cardiovascular disease prevents you from leading a meaningful life, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a set of criteria for qualifying disabilities.
Disability Evaluation
The SSA determines eligibility for benefits based on the Blue Book medical guide. This lists a wide range of cardiovascular conditions and the eligibility criteria for benefits. When applying, your condition will be considered according to the cardiovascular system (section 4.00) in the Blue Book.
The SSA can recognize the following cardiovascular conditions as debilitating:
- Chronic heart failure
- Ischemic heart disease
- Recurrent arrhythmias
- Symptomatic congenital heart disease
- Heart transplant
- Aneurysm of the aorta or major branches
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Peripheral arterial disease
If you suffer from the above conditions, you may be eligible for benefits if certain criteria apply to your case. Firstly, your heart disease must hinder your ability to participate in substantial gainful activity (SGA) or hold a job. Additionally, the severity of your condition should render you incapable of performing job duties or adapting to new forms of work.
Furthermore, the medical condition should be expected to persist for at least one year (or it has already lasted for that duration) or, in some cases, be expected to be terminal. Meeting these conditions is essential to qualify for SSD benefits.
An Experienced Lawyer Will Help You Qualify for SSD Benefits
Navigating the complex SSD application process can be challenging, and an experienced attorney can provide invaluable assistance. With their guidance, you can maximize your chances of securing the financial support you need to maintain a stable quality of life.
A South Carolina Social Security Disability applications attorney can help gather the necessary medical evidence, assist in completing the application, and ensure that all relevant information is presented to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Collect Relevant Evidence
At Pilzer Klein, we work closely with our clients to obtain comprehensive medical records from healthcare providers, specialists, and hospitals. We understand the specific medical documentation the SSA requires to demonstrate the severity of your heart disease and its impact on your ability to work.
Our legal team also helps secure expert opinions from medical professionals, like cardiologists, who can provide detailed assessments of the condition. Additionally, an SSD lawyer can gather testimonies from witnesses, including friends, family members, or coworkers, to further support the claim.
Complete the SSD Application
The necessary forms are available on the SSA’s website or at your local SSA office. When filling these out, provide accurate personal information, including contact details, work history, and medical history, specifically focusing on your heart disease diagnosis.
Seek assistance from a Social Security Disability attorney to ensure your application is complete, precise, and compelling. They have a deep understanding of the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements specific to heart disease-related claims.
Seek Medical Assistance
You can also help your attorney build a strong claim, mainly by taking care of yourself. By seeking immediate medical attention as soon as you notice a health problem, you ensure comprehensive medical records documenting the evolution of your condition. This medical evidence helps substantiate the disability claim and demonstrates your inability to work due to your condition.
Contact A Social Security Disability Lawyer for Heart Disease Today
The legal team at Pilzer Klein is dedicated to helping those affected by disabling medical conditions reclaim their lives. The complex SSD application process should not discourage you from seeking the benefits you are owed; we can help you file a successful claim.
By contacting a qualified attorney, you increase your chances of filing a successful benefits claim. Our Social Security Disability attorneys will help you secure the financial support you need to manage your heart disease-related disability effectively. Contact us today to discuss your case.
