Sinus bradycardia is a variety of cardiac arrhythmia, which refers to medical conditions that lead to irregularities in the functions of the heart. This arrhythmia specifically causes the sinus node within the heart to contract too slowly, resulting in fewer beats per minute than necessary. An individual with this condition will usually have a heart rate of between 50 to 60 beats per minute. Symptoms of sinus bradycardia may include:
- Blackouts
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Fainting
- Vertigo
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits for Sinus Bradycardia
The severity of your symptoms, when suffering from this heart condition, will largely depend on how slowly your heart is beating. If the symptoms are quite severe and frequent, it can make it dangerous or impossible for you to continue to function at most types of jobs. In which case, you might consider applying for Social Security Disability benefits in order to support yourself financially.
When applying for SSD benefits, you must consider how the Social Security Administration is going to evaluate your eligibility. Your symptoms and qualifications will be evaluated using one of the listings within the SSA blue book, which determines the requirements for approval. While there is not a specific listing for sinus bradycardia, there are listings that regard general cardiovascular conditions, as well as heart disease, which might match your symptoms.
Meeting the Requirements to Qualify for SSD Benefits
It is comparatively easier to receive approval for benefits if your symptoms clearly meet qualifications that are detailed in the blue book. In order for your sinus bradycardia to meet a listing within the cardiovascular section of the blue book, both of the following must be true:
- Your arrhythmia did not originate from a reversible cause.
- You have uncontrolled repeated episodes of cardiac syncope (fainting) or near syncope
AND
Even if you do not meet these specific requirements, there is still a chance that you can receive approval for SSD benefits if you can meet the requirements of another listing, or demonstrate that the sinus bradycardia symptoms or treatments significantly limit your ability to work. It is possible to complete a residual functional capacity test, which will evaluate your ability to perform common work-related tasks.
Hiring a Social Security Disability Attorney to Help You Apply
The best way to increase the likelihood that you will receive approval for benefits is to seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability attorney. By doing so, you can work directly with a professional who understands more clearly how the SSA will be evaluating your application. Your attorney will help you create the strongest case possible.
