Will Coronary Artery Disease Qualify You for Disability?
Even as it is pumping blood to the rest of the body, the heart itself can be starved of oxygen and nutrients. Ischemic heart disease is a life-threatening condition resulting from reduced blood supply to the heart muscle. It is also a top cause of death in the United States. It is sometimes a silent, stealthy killer, but many people suffer painful and debilitating symptoms. Thus myocardial ischemia is a listed impairment under Social Security Disability (SSD). Read below to learn if coronary artery disease will qualify you for disability benefits.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits for Coronary Artery Disease
Ischemic heart disease, also known as ischemic cardiomyopathy, is chiefly caused by coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis), a narrowing or blockage of the arteries that feed the tissues of the heart. Coronary artery disease in turn is mainly linked to smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, stress, sedentary lifestyle or a combination of those factors. The cause is relevant to your disability claim, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) tracks your treatment and wants to know that you are doing your part to get healthy enough to rejoin the workforce.
In general, the SSA requires proof of the narrowing of arteries through:
- Performance on an exercise tolerance test
- Three ischemic episodes within a 12-month period
- Medical imaging (angiography)
Symptoms of ischemic heart disease may include angina (chest or arm pain) or myocardial infarction (heart attack), and symptoms associated with heart failure (shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations). We help show how these symptoms affect daily living and your ability to hold a job.
Turn to Us for Experienced Guidance Through the Disability Claims Process
At Schwartzapfel Partners P.C., we know that many claims are wrongly denied. Our experienced team intervenes to fight for your rights by demonstrating to the SSA that you meet the required medical criteria and that your symptoms prevent you from working. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Treatment for ischemia ranges from incorporating healthier habits to medications or bypass surgery. Our legal team works with you to help you document your treatment and your ongoing symptoms, to give you a fighting chance at securing disability benefits, and to support you in your efforts to recover your health.
Contact Our New York Law Firm Today. You Pay No Attorney Fees Unless We Win.
To learn more about Social Security Disability claims for coronary artery disease in a free consultation, call us at 888-801-1914 or contact our New York lawyers online. There is no cost to you unless and until we win your claim and get money and benefits for you.
*Past results do not guarantee a future outcome.
