No, atrial fibrillation does not automatically qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), but with the right medical evidence and supporting documentation you can still be awarded Social Security Disability benefits because of atrial fibrillation. Here is a closer look at a disability claim for atrial fibrillation and how to get access to the monthly benefits you need because of your medical issues.
How To Automatically Qualify For Disability Benefits
To automatically qualify for disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that is part of the compassionate allowances program (CAL). The CAL program has dozens of medical conditions that are considered terminal or incurable. If you have a confirmed diagnosis of a condition on the CAL list, you will be awarded disability benefits within a matter of weeks rather than a matter of months. Even if you don’t have a medical condition on the CAL, you can still have a successful disability claim with the right documentation to support your claim.
Does Atrial Fibrillation Automatically Qualify For Disability Benefits?
No, atrial fibrillation does not automatically qualify for disability benefits, but you can still be awarded disability benefits because of the medical condition. If your atrial fibrillation is so severe that you cannot perform routine daily tasks and you are unable to work and earn a living, you can be approved for monthly benefits just so long as your condition meets the specific criteria of the Blue Book listing.
Atrial fibrillation claims are reviewed under Section 4.05, which is for “Recurrent arrhythmia.” Your atrial fibrillation disability claim must meet the following criteria for claims approval:
- Not a symptom of a reversible cause or some other treatable disorder.
- Results in uncontrolled, recurring episodes of syncope or near-syncope because of heart irregularities.
- Has been non-responsive to treatments.
- Has been documented using electrocardiography.
If you are not sure if your disability meets the listing criteria, speak with your treating physician about your heart condition and whether it would meet the listing criteria. You will need hard medical evidence, which will include test results, a confirmed diagnosis, and treatment notes. If your condition does not meet the specific criteria of the listing, you may still qualify using a medical vocational allowance. With this approach, your physician will complete a residual functional capacity (RFC) form. The RFC will detail what you can and cannot do, so the disability examiners can get a clear picture of your condition.
Get Help With Your Claim
If you are unable to work because of atrial fibrillation, enlist the help of a disability attorney. The lawyer will be able to determine if you may automatically qualify for disability benefits or what evidence is needed to support your claim. The SSA statistics indicate that claimants with legal representation are more likely to have a successful disability claim. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to share the details of your disability claim with an attorney in your area. Disability lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you will not have to pay anything upfront.
