Social Security Disability for Cardiovascular Disorders in North Carolina

A cardiovascular disorder is any disorder that affects the ability of the heart or circulatory system to function properly. Generally, these are degenerative. This means that the victim’s condition worsens over time and can render him or her disabled.

If you have been diagnosed with heart disease or any other cardiovascular disorder that is keeping you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Contact Hardison & Cochran to learn more. A lawyer from our firm can review your case for free right away. We serve clients throughout North Carolina.

Common Cardiovascular Disorders That May Qualify

Your body’s cardiovascular system primarily consists of your heart, blood vessels, and the blood that the vessels transport. This is why a cardiovascular disorder can affect your entire body.

Among the potentially disabling disorders of the cardiovascular system are:

Chronic Heart Failure

Chronic heart failure causes fatigue and shortness of breath. These symptoms can make daily tasks difficult and can prevent someone from holding a regular job.

Ischemic Heart Disease / Coronary Artery Disease

Blocked or reduced blood flow to the heart can cause chest pain and heart attacks. Physically demanding work or jobs that require long periods of concentration may become unmanageable.

Recurrent Arrhythmias

An irregular heartbeat can cause dizziness or fainting. This makes jobs that involve driving, operating machinery, or heavy activity unsafe.

Aneurysm

An aneurysm in a major blood vessel carries a serious risk of rupture. Because of that risk, strenuous or stressful work is often not possible.

High Blood Pressure / Hypertension

Mild hypertension may not qualify for disability benefits. Severe or uncontrolled cases that are connected to other heart conditions can interfere with safe, steady employment.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

PAD restricts blood flow in the arms or legs, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness. This condition makes standing, walking, or performing manual labor very difficult.

Heart Transplant

After a transplant, the SSA automatically considers you disabled for at least one year. Even after that time, reduced stamina and ongoing medical risks may limit what kind of work you can do.

Qualifying for SSD Benefits With a Cardiovascular Disorder

What is the SSA “Blue Book”?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes the Blue Book, a list of medical conditions that are so severe they prevent full-time work. Cardiovascular disorders are included in this list.To qualify, you will need solid medical evidence. This usually includes records from your cardiologist, results from imaging tests, stress tests, and hospital or treatment notes. In some cases, the SSA may also send you for an additional exam to confirm the extent of your condition.

What evidence do I need?

You will need medical records from your cardiologist, imaging and stress test results, and treatment notes. In some cases, SSA may require an additional medical exam.

Examples of qualifying cardiovascular conditions:

  • Ischemic Heart Disease: Significant blockage proven by imaging, three separate ischemic episodes that required revascularization, or exercise test results that meet SSA’s disability criteria.
  • Chronic Heart Failure: Documented repeated episodes of failure, very low ejection fraction, or severe fatigue and shortness of breath that prevents daily activities.
  • Recurrent Arrhythmias: Documented by ECG or Holter monitor and fainting or serious complications even with treatment.
  • Heart Transplant: Automatically disabled for at least one year after surgery.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Blood flow studies and documented pain, weakness or limitations that prevents work.

Can I qualify if my condition isn’t listed?

Yes. If your symptoms are medically proven and your limitations are as severe as the Blue Book, SSA may approve your claim.

Other Ways to Qualify for SSD

Can I qualify if my condition isn’t in the Blue Book?

Yes. If your heart condition is medically verifiable but not listed, you may still qualify if you can prove it limits you for at least 12 months.

What does “medically equivalent” mean?

SSA may approve claims if your condition, or combination of symptoms, is as limiting as a listed condition, even if it’s not listed.

What helps?

  • Medical records and test results.
  • Work-specific evidence, such as performance reviews, strength and stamina tests or vocational assessments that show you can’t do your job.

Example:

A construction foreman with chronic heart failure could provide test results showing he can’t meet the physical demands of supervising or manual labor. This type of evidence helps.

Our North Carolina Lawyers Help Individuals Seek SSD Benefits for Cardiovascular Disorders

Hardison & Cochran helps North Carolina residents secure Social Security Disability benefits for cardiovascular disorders such as chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and post-transplant recovery. Our attorneys know the exact medical evidence SSA requires and can guide you through every step of filing or appealing your claim. Call or contact us online for a free case review today.