An Indiana Social Security disability lawyer has identified some unhealthy coronary conditions that may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Although any coronary condition that makes the patient unable to work may be reason to apply for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) lists a number of them with specific guidelines as to how the SSA determines whether to consider them total disabilities.

Applicants for SSA

Disability benefits for heart problems should be sure they have all necessary medical documents and should be aware that, as for most disabilities, the severity of the medical disorder often carries more determinative weight than does its nature. Even if the problem does not meet all SSA total disability criteria, it still may qualify if the applicant’s Indiana Social Security disability lawyer can show how it precludes any kind of work previously performed or for which training is available. In addition to medical records and employability, the SSA considers how the heart problem affects the applicant’s daily activities.

Common Qualifying Coronary Conditions

While the following list is not complete or exhaustive, some common coronary conditions often qualify applicants for SSA disability benefits:

  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency. In this condition, generally manifested by swelling, difficulty standing, and painful ulcers, the circulatory system cannot pump blood from the legs back to the heart. To qualify for SSA disability benefits, the applicant must present ulcers that fail to heal within three months.
  • Recurrent Arrhythmias. This condition causes an irregular heartbeat too fast or too slow. To qualify for disability benefits, the applicant must show that the condition causes losses of consciousness or frequent spells that come close to such blackouts.
  • Congestive Heart Failure. Medical tests measure the flow of blood from the heart, which needs to perform at 30-percent or less capacity to qualify as a total disability. The applicant also must suffer from cardiac pain even without exertion.
  • Ischemic Heart Disease. This condition caused by insufficient arterial blood flow is a heart attack precursor with low blood oxygen levels. Diagnosis is usually by stress test or angiography.
  • Hypertensive Heart Disease. To qualify for SSA disability benefits, hypertension must be so serious as to meet disability criteria for either ischemic heart disease or congestive heart failure.

The applicant may still qualify for SSA disability benefits even with heart problems not strictly within total disability guidelines so long as SSA believes that they make employment in or training for any job impossible. SSA disability advocates can help applicants determine whether they should pursue SSA disability claims.

Contact an Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyer

Anyone whose coronary condition might qualify for SSA Disability benefits should present a case for qualification with a treating physician and an Indiana Social Security disability lawyer. The physician substantiates the medical information and documents attempts to control or improve the disabling condition. A skilled experienced Indiana Social Security disability lawyer gives the applicant the highest probability of disability claim approval at the factual intake level and especially after any necessary appeal process. Call the Barnes Cadwell Law, A Professional Association of Attorneys Office today at (317) 804-5058.