Disability for Cardiovascular Diseases in Detroit

Several medical conditions fall under the category of cardiovascular diseases. The Social Security Administration maintains a list of impairments that can qualify you for disability benefits, called its “blue book.”

Qualifying cardiovascular diseases include:

• Chronic heart failure
• Ischemic heart disease
• Recurrent arrhythmias
• Symptomatic congenital heart disease
• Heart transplant
• Aneurysm of aorta or major branches
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Peripheral arterial disease

Social Security considers you to have a cardiovascular disease if you have one of these situations:

1. A congenital or acquired condition that prevents the heart or the circulatory system—including arteries, veins, capillaries, and the lymphatic drainage—from functioning properly.
2. Any of these trouble signs:
   
   a. Chronic heart failure or dysfunction of a major chamber of the heart

   b. Discomfort or pain due to constricted blood flow to your heart

   c. Temporary loss of consciousness because the heart isn’t sending enough oxygen to the brain

   And/or…

   d. Pale or blue skin color, indicating heart defects

3. Damage to the central nervous system, eyes, kidneys, other organs, and lower extremities caused by damaged veins or arteries.

Cardiovascular disease comes with many of the following symptoms. If you’re experiencing a number of these issues, and they’re limiting your ability to function on a daily basis, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

• Easily fatigued
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Chest discomfort at rest or with activity
• Palpitations
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting

Each of these ailments has a long list of medical terms, definitions, and criteria that can be overwhelming to swim through.

Levine Benjamin’s experienced attorneys can help you navigate the medical industry’s technical jargon as well as Social Security’s regulations and requirements.

We will review your medical information, understand your health problems, and apply Social Security’s rules to your situation.

To qualify for disability benefits for cardiovascular disease, you must prove you can’t work—in any capacity—because of your condition.

You do this by providing documentation of your debilitating symptoms, including:

• Detailed laboratory reports such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), coronary arteriography, imaging of your heart’s ventricles, drug-induced stress tests, ultrasounds, etc.
• Medical history describing symptoms such as pulmonary or systemic congestion or limited cardiac output with abnormal findings on medical imaging.
• Physical exams and exercise tests, including tests that monitor your ability to walk, bicycle, move your arms, lift and carry heavy loads.
• Records of your heart’s response to prescribed treatments over a three month period.
• Physical limitations combined with your work history, showing that your condition has altered, or completely disrupted, your ability to complete your usual daily tasks.

You don’t have to gather all of this alone. Levine Benjamin attorneys will collect, organize and submit your medical evidence, allowing you to rest, take care of yourself and focus on getting the most out of life.

From applying to appealing, we help you every step of the way.