If you or someone you know has had a heart attack and are considering filing a claim for Social Security Disability, there are some things you should consider. First, if you have not worked or believe you cannot work for twelve (12) consecutive months, it might be in your best interest to file immediately. Second, you should file for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to ensure you receive the benefits under the program you are entitled to. This blog will discuss a few ways the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at cases involving cardiovascular issues.
The SSA examines heart related impairments in its Listing of Impairments under Section 4.00. These listings outline in specific detail what the SSA believes are disabling conditions concerning the cardiovascular system. If you read these listings, you may find them complicated and difficult to understand. Many terms in these listings can be understood by a qualified physician or a Medical Expert (ME), who sometimes appear at Social Security Disability Appeals hearings. My office can generate a “Medical Source Statement” for you to take to your cardiologist to see if you meet or equal these criteria.
It is important to note that not all Social Security disability cases are won by meeting or equaling one of these listings. After a heart attack or other cardiovascular problem, your capacity to work may be so low that you simply cannot work a full-time job, and this may also qualify you for Social Security disability. The SSA calls this your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). Your RFC could include limitations in sitting, standing, walking, and lifting. It could also limit your ability to stay on task and to consistently attend work, which may result in termination from employment. Medical Source Statements from your physician that assess these restrictions can help show the Social Security Administration you are unable to work and that you are entitled to disability payments.
If heart issues are keeping you from working, you should file a claim with the Social Security Administration to see if you are entitled to disability benefits. I have seen individuals wait too long and lose the benefits they could have been entitled to. My office handles hundreds of cases each year and has experience with this confusing process. My office attempts to answer questions to make the initial application and appeals process easier to understand with this sometimes confusing process.
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