While all heart disease is serious, some forms are more severe than others. While some individuals are able to live with their heart disease, living normal and active lives, others are unable to perform the simplest of tasks necessary for day-to-day living. For these individuals, maintaining full-time work activity is nearly impossible. Those who suffer from severe ischemic heart disease are among the individuals who may be unable to work due to their condition. In situations such as these, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to offset some of the financial burden caused by the inability to maintain work activity and earn a gainful income.
Ischemic Heart Disease Condition and Symptoms
Ischemic heart disease, also referred to as IHD, kills millions of individuals in the United States each year. When an individual suffers from this condition, the heart is unable to receive enough blood and oxygen for the body to function normally.
The causes of ischemic heart disease vary. Some cases are due to genetics, while others are caused by lifestyle habits. Many cases of IHD are preventable, as are the deaths that occur due to the condition. Control of hypertension, smoking cessation, healthy exercise and weight maintenance can all help control the symptoms and severity of IHD.
The symptoms of ischemic heart disease will vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. Common symptoms of the disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, chest pain (on exertion or in emotional situations), severe chest pain with evidence of acute heart damage and, in severe cases, heart failure.
When an individual suffers from ischemic heart disease it is nearly always impossible to maintain full-time employment. Because of this, these individuals oftentimes apply for Social Security Disability benefits in order to make ends meet. The following information will help you understand how the SSA reviews disability claims based on a diagnosis of IHD and how you can increase your chances of a hassle-free approval of your Social Security Disability benefits.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Ischemic Heart Disease
The Social Security Administration does recognize ischemic heart disease as a qualifying disability under Medical Listing 4.04. It is important to understand, however, that certain conditions must be met in order for an individual to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance based on a diagnosis of this condition.
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits with ischemic heart disease, the applicant must must be on a regimen of prescribed treatment and have test results demonstrating symptom-limited exercise tolerance, three separate ischemic episodes that required revascularization within a 12-month period or severe coronary artery disease that is demonstrated by angiography.
If you meet the qualifications set forth by this medical listing, you will need to provide a complete copy of your medical records along with your Social Security Disability application in order to facilitate your Social Security Disability claim. If you do not meet the specific criteria set forth in Medical Listing 4.04 of the Social Security Disability guidelines, you may still be able to obtain disability benefits if you can prove that your disability prevents you from performing any type of work activity. Medical records, written statements from your treating physicians, and the answers that you provide on the residual work capacity form in your disability application will all play a role in the outcome of your SSD claim.
Ischemic Heart Disease and Your Social Security Disability Case
If your specific case of ischemic heart disease meets all of the criteria published under the SSA's disability guidelines you may be approved for Social Security Disability benefits during the initial stage of the application process. However, if there is any question as to whether or not your condition completely prevents you from performing gainful work activity, your claim will be denied and you will need to file an appeal with the Social Security Administration.
It is important to understand that nearly 70 percent of disability claims are denied by the Social Security Administration at the initial stage of the claim process. If your claim is among them, you should consider retaining the services of a qualified Social Security Disability lawyer to represent you in your disability appeal. These professionals will gather the medical evidence needed to support your claim for Social Security Disability benefits and will increase your chances of appealing the SSA's denial.
To learn more about filing for Social Security Disability benefits due to ischemic heart disease or to learn more about working with a Social Security Disability attorney or advocate, click here for a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability case.
