Do you have a heart condition that makes it difficult or impossible to work? If you’ve already applied for disability and feel stuck, or if you don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. Social Security doesn’t make the process easy, even for people with serious cardiovascular problems like heart failure, blocked arteries, or arrhythmias.
Attorney Joe Wambach knows how to deal with these claims. Joe has more than 10 years of experience and has represented clients in more than one thousand disability hearings. He understands what medical records matter, how to handle unfair denials, and what judges look for in cardiovascular disorder cases.
At Wambach Disability Law, you can get personal help from a lawyer who listens and takes action. Contact us today to get started with your free initial consultation.
To qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must meet the criteria for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. If you have earned enough work credits and your condition prevents you from working for at least 12 months (or is expected to result in death), you could qualify for SSDI.
SSI works differently. This program is designed to help people with limited financial resources. You don’t need work credits to qualify, but you must meet strict income and asset limits. You must also show that your condition stops you from working for at least 12 months or is likely to lead to death.
Social Security uses the same definition of disability for both programs. You must have a medical condition that keeps you from doing any job, not just the job(s) you’ve done before. Social Security looks at your age, education, past work, and health to determine whether you qualify.
The SSA uses specific medical criteria to evaluate your disability claim. These criteria appear in a guide called the “Blue Book.” For heart conditions, the rules are in Section 4.00 of the Blue Book. The SSA includes several different heart problems in the Blue Book, including heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and arrhythmias. Each condition has a set of medical findings you must show to be eligible for benefits.
For example, if you want to claim disability benefits for heart failure, you might need test results showing low heart function. If you have blocked arteries, the SSA might ask for results from a stress test or records of heart procedures like bypass surgery. The SSA will look for facts that prove your condition limits your ability to work or take care of yourself.
If your condition doesn’t match a listing exactly, the SSA will look at how your symptoms limit your daily life. You can still get approved, but you must show that your condition keeps you from working full-time.
If your heart condition makes it difficult or impossible to work, you might qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. Below are some examples of cardiovascular disorders that could meet the SSA’s eligibility criteria:
You need strong medical evidence to win a disability claim for a heart condition. The SSA will want clear records that show your diagnosis, your symptoms, and how your condition affects your life. You should gather results from heart tests like EKGs, stress tests, echocardiograms, or catheterization. These test results can help you show how your heart works—or doesn’t.
You should also provide doctor’s notes, hospital records, and details about your treatment. If you take heart medication, your records should explain how well it works and whether you still have symptoms. If you’ve had a heart attack, surgery, or repeated hospital visits, make sure to include records of those, too.
The SSA likes to see medical evidence showing what’s called a “longitudinal record.” That means at least a few months of medical care showing your condition over time, not just one or two doctor’s visits. If you can, get a letter from your doctor that explains your diagnosis, symptoms, and work limits.
Once you apply, the SSA will start by checking whether you qualify for SSDI or SSI based on your work history or income. If you meet the basic eligibility criteria, they’ll move on to reviewing your medical condition. They will study your records to see if your heart condition matches a listing in the Blue Book. If it does, they might approve your claim.
If your records don’t fully match a listing, the SSA will investigate further to decide whether your symptoms stop you from working. They will review your age, work history, and education to decide if you can do your old job or any other job.
Sometimes, the SSA might send you to a doctor for more tests to help them figure out how severe your condition is. You might also get calls or letters asking for more information. This process can take several months. You can check your claim status online or by calling your local SSA office.
Filing for Social Security Disability benefits can feel overwhelming. The rules are strict, the paperwork is time-consuming, and even small mistakes can lead to a denial. Many people with serious health problems don’t know what the SSA looks for or how to prove they can’t work. That’s where a lawyer can step in. An experienced disability attorney knows how to deal with the SSA and can take over the difficult parts of your case. They can help you by:
If your heart condition keeps you from working, Wambach Disability Law can help you apply for benefits, fight unfair denials, and move your claim forward. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
If a disability has kept you from working, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Get the answers you need right now when you contact Wambach Disability Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable, caring Social Security disability lawyer.
