How the SSA Evaluates Heart Disease for Disability

The SSA uses the Listing of Impairments, which includes specific medical conditions that automatically qualify for disability benefits if they meet the SSA’s severity criteria. While heart disease itself is not explicitly listed, it can be evaluated under the following cardiovascular categories:

• Chronic heart failure
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Recurrent arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
• Ischemic heart disease
• Angina and heart attacks
• Heart transplant (if applicable)

If you suffer from heart disease, the SSA will assess whether your condition meets the criteria of one of these impairments. The criteria typically require you to demonstrate that your heart condition significantly limits your ability to function and work, despite treatment.

The SSA’s Criteria for Heart Disease

For heart disease to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, the SSA must determine that your condition is severe enough to limit your ability to work and that it has persisted for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. The SSA will assess your heart disease under the following factors:

• Severity of symptoms: Your heart condition must be serious enough that it prevents you from performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA). For example, if you experience extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, or difficulty performing physical activities, this could meet the SSA’s criteria.
• Documented medical evidence: The SSA will require medical records to support your claim. This includes test results, hospital records, and your doctor’s notes showing how your heart disease limits your daily activities and ability to work.
• Treatment history: The SSA will look at whether you’ve been following your prescribed treatments, such as medications, surgery, lifestyle changes, and rehabilitation. The more consistent your treatment, the better the chances of your claim being approved.

Qualifying for SSD with Heart Disease: Medical Evidence

To successfully qualify for SSD benefits with heart disease, you’ll need strong medical evidence that demonstrates the severity of your condition. Key evidence to support your claim includes:

• Cardiac test results: These include diagnostic tests such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), echocardiograms, stress tests, and cardiac catheterization results that show the extent of your heart disease.
• Doctor’s opinion: A detailed letter from your cardiologist or treating physician explaining how your heart disease affects your ability to work is very helpful. This letter should outline your symptoms, functional limitations, and any restrictions placed on you due to your condition.
• Hospital records: If you’ve been hospitalized due to heart disease or had surgery such as a bypass operation or heart transplant, including these records can help demonstrate the severity of your condition.
• Physical limitations: Evidence of how heart disease prevents you from performing basic physical tasks, such as walking, standing, or lifting, can support your case.

The SSA evaluates your functional limitations by considering whether you can perform basic work tasks, such as walking, standing, sitting, lifting, and interacting with others.

What Happens If Your Heart Disease Does Not Meet SSA’s Listings?

If your heart disease does not meet the SSA’s strict Listing of Impairments, you may still be eligible for disability benefits through a residual functional capacity (RFC) evaluation. The RFC assesses how your heart disease limits your ability to work, even if you don’t meet the exact medical criteria.

For example, the SSA may consider how your heart disease affects your:

• Ability to maintain a consistent work schedule
• Capacity to perform physical tasks such as walking, standing, or lifting
• Ability to concentrate, focus, and perform mentally demanding tasks

If the SSA determines that your heart disease severely limits your ability to work, they may approve your claim based on this RFC evaluation.

The Process of Applying for Social Security Disability with Heart Disease

To apply for SSD benefits based on heart disease, follow these steps:

• Gather medical records: Start by collecting all relevant medical records, including test results, treatment plans, and physician opinions that support your claim.
• Submit your application: You can apply for SSD benefits online through the SSA’s website at www.ssa.gov, by phone, or by visiting a local Social Security office.
• Be detailed in your application: Provide thorough and accurate information about your condition, limitations, and how your heart disease impacts your ability to work.
• Prepare for a possible denial: Many initial SSD claims are denied. If this happens, you have the right to appeal the decision. It’s common for heart disease claims to be initially rejected, but you can submit more medical evidence or request a hearing to appeal the decision.

How Long Does It Take to Get Social Security Disability for Heart Disease?

The process of receiving Social Security Disability benefits for heart disease can take several months or even longer. Typically, the approval process can take anywhere from three to six months for an initial decision. However, if you’re denied, it can take longer due to the appeals process.

The key to speeding up the process is to submit complete and thorough medical documentation with your initial application. This can help reduce the chances of delays and denials.