Heart Valve Disorders and Social Security Disability Benefits
A heart valve disorder is any disease that involves one or more of the valves in the heart. If an individual is born with a heart valve disorder, it is classified as a congenital valve disorder. If an individual develops a heart valve disorder later on in life, it is considered to be an acquired disorder.
Heart Valve Disorder Symptoms
The symptoms of a heart valve disorder will vary depending on the type and extent of your condition. Common symptoms of heart valve disorders include:
- Difficulty breathing and/or shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Discomfort in the chest
- Heart palpitations
- Swelling of the feet, ankles or abdomen
- Rapid unexplained weight gain
Heart Valve Disorders and Qualifying Criteria
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, your condition must meet the criteria listed in the SSA’s “Blue Book” of qualifying medical conditions. If your condition is not included in the SSA’s Blue Book, you must be able to qualify for benefits based on a different listing. In the case of heart valve disorders, the condition is mentioned in Section 4.0 of the Blue Book, although no specific listing has been given to this particular disability.
When applying for Social Security Disability based on a heart valve disorder, the SSA will review exactly how the disorder affects your residual functional capacity.
You will need to provide medical evidence that would support your qualification under a secondary condition caused by the heart valve disorder.
There are several different listings within the SSA’s Blue Book that heart valve disease may fall under. These include:
- Chronic Heart Failure (4.02)
- Ischemic heart disease (4.04)
- Recurrent arrhythmias (4.05)
- Symptomatic congenital heart disease (4.06)
If you suffer from a secondary condition caused by the heart valve disorder, such as the ones listed above, it is important to include medical documentation proving that you meet the criteria of that condition as well. There is no such thing as “too much” supporting evidence. The more medical proof that you provide with your application, the better your chances of approval.
The Services of a Social Security Disability Attorney
Many disability applicants find that it is much easier to qualify for benefits with the help of a Social Security Disability attorney.You can explore the list of medical conditions for disability approval here. A professional will help you put together a thorough and accurate application that will increase your chances of being approved.
Additional Resources
Submitted by: Molly Clarke
