What is An Aneurysm of the Aorta?
The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. Roughly the diameter of a garden hose, it exits the heart at the top of the left ventricle, then immediately arches downward and then branches off, transporting freshly oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. The portion of the aorta which is above the diaphragm is called the thoracic aorta, the portion below the diaphragm is the abdominal aorta.
Sometimes the wall of a blood vessel can become weakened, either as the result of an injury, an infection, or a structural defect. This weakened area can bulge out, resulting in a condition called an aneurysm. An aneurysm can rupture, causing blood to leak. An aneurysm of the aorta is particularly dangerous due to its size and the amount of blood that flows through it.
A tear in the inner wall of the aorta may allow blood to leak into the wall’s middle layer, forcing the layers to separate. This condition is known as dissection.
When dissection occurs in the aortic arch, it is referred to as Type A. Dissection in the lower area of the aorta is Type B. A Type A dissection requires immediate surgical correction, whereas a Type B dissection may simply be closely monitored unless it restricts or disrupts the flow of blood to the extremities.
In the early stages, aortic aneurysms rarely cause any symptoms. As they grow in size, they may begin to exert pressure on nerves, resulting in back, abdominal, chest or leg pain or numbness.
If detected early, an aortic aneurysm can be managed. Blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, quitting smoking, etc) can help to reduce the risk of rupture.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct an aneurism in order to prevent a rupture. In the unfortunate event of a ruptured aortic aneurysm, it has been estimated that only between 10% and 25% of the patients survive.
Can You Work With Aortic Aneurysm?
Depending on your job, you may be able to continue working with aortic aneurism. However, it’s likely you will need to reduce your working hours based on your physical limitations, such as not working in a stressful environment, or not being capable of lifting more than a certain weight.
If you cannot work with an aortic aneurysm, then you may qualify for disability benefits. In the earliest stages of an aortic aneurysm there are rarely any noticeable symptoms. But as the aneurysm increases in size, it may start to exert pressure on the nerves, resulting in debilitating back, abdominal, chest or leg pain or numbness.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will determine from your medical evidence if you qualify for disability benefits. If you are unable to work for at least 12 months then it is likely you will be eligible for disability benefits.
A final decision may be made once you have undergone a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment which tests both your physical and mental abilities and how this relates to the activities required in your usual job. Your physical ability is based on how long you can sit and stand in one place, and what weights you are able to lift.
Before a final decision is made, the SSA will also look at your physical condition as demonstrated by the results of appropriate imaging techniques, such as an echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imagery (MRI).
Does Aortic Aneurysm Qualify for Disability?
Aortic aneurysm can qualify for disability benefits if an individual meets the medical requirements outlined in the SSA’s Blue Book for it’s listing for Aneurysm of aorta or major branches.
If you have had an aortic aneurysm and you think that it will make it impossible for you to work full time, you will need to meet both the medical and work requirements outlined by the SSA for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
If the SSA finds that you meet both, you will be approved for disability benefits and the SSA will consider your aortic aneurysm a disability.
Lifestyle After Aortic Dissection
After a dissection, you may be wondering what changes will happen to your lifestyle and if they can return to what they were doing normally before their dissection.
However, those after a aortic dissection can continue a productive lifestyle if they take good care of their blood pressure and if they put cautious limits to their physical activity.
It is highly recommended to talk to your doctor after a dissection about your lifestyle changes and your doctor will be able to tell you if it is reasonable to return to those activities, such as work and play.
Filing for Social Security Disability for an Aneurysm of the Aorta or Major Branches Diagnosis
Aneurysm of the aorta or major branches is listed in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) impairment listing manual (also known as the “Blue Book”) as a condition which can qualify a person to receive Social Security Disability benefits.
While most conditions listed in the Blue Book spell out very specific diagnostic standards that must be met in order for a given diagnosis to qualify for benefits, such is not the case with aneurysm of the aorta or major branches.
In this case, the claimant must have an aneurysm that meets the definition of the condition due to any cause, demonstrated by appropriate imaging techniques, along with dissection which has not been controlled by prescribed treatment.
The implication is that any aneurysm of the aorta or its major branches (such as the iliac arteries) with uncontrolled dissection is inherently dangerous enough to warrant disability benefits.
Usually, the appropriate imaging techniques for aneurysm are echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imagery (MRI).
Next Steps to Take?
If you have been diagnosed with an aneurysm of the aorta or one of its major branches, you are likely entitled to receive Social Security Disability benefits because of the potential severity of the condition. While it may be tempting to attempt to handle the application paperwork on your own, it may very well be in your best interests to have your case evaluated by a Social Security Disability attorney.
In many cases, the process of applying for disability benefits is best left to a qualified Social Security Disability attorney. While most of us have a lot of experience filling out paperwork, there are a great many complexities involved with the disability application and approval process, and a seemingly insignificant mistake or omission could cause your case to be delayed for months, maybe even years. An attorney will be well versed in the common mistakes committed by disability applicants.
An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer has the skills and the training needed to complete the application and gather the other documents needed to get your paperwork processed in a timely manner, so you have a greater chance of having a favorable outcome to your disability case.
Considering applying for Social Security disability benefits but not sure how much you’ll earn per month? Our SSDI Calculator can help you determine how much you’ll receive from the SSA before you file for disability
For more information on applying for disability benefits with an Aortic Aneurysm, or to speak directly with a qualified Social Security Disability attorney in your area, request a free disability evaluation today.
