I Have Chronic Heart Failure – Can I Receive Disability Benefits?
Chronic heart failure is one of the conditions that Social Security has considered to be a “listing,” meaning if you suffer from chronic heart failure, qualifying for Social Security disability may be easier for you than others.
Social Security will review your medical history, physical exams, lab and blood work, as well as any other prescribed treatment and response you have undergone. In order to make a determination on disability, Social Security will need at least three months of medical records, showing that your condition is severe and persistent, and that you are adhering to all prescribed treatment.
If you do not have appropriate medical evidence, Social Security may purchase exercise testing or other studies to determine the severity of the condition.
If you have chronic heart failure – either predominant systolic dysfunction or predominant diastolic dysfunction – you may be found to be disabled if you have medically acceptable imaging (i.e., chest x-ray, echocardiography, radionuclide studies, or cardiac catheterization).
The medical records must also show that you have the characteristic symptoms and signs of pulmonary/systemic congestion associated with those findings on the imaging. These symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or even cardiac arrhythmias.
Social Security also requires that, in between episodes of acute heart failure, there is objective evidence that the pulmonary edema or pleural effusions cleared and that you were able to return you your prior level of activity.
If you suffer from Chronic Heart Failure and have applied for disability, contact one of our disability attorneys today.
