Mitral valve prolapse is a heart condition that commonly leads to heart murmurs. It is the most common disorder of the heart and is often hereditary. The mitral valve is a part of the heart—located between the left atrium and left ventricle—which helps to control blood flow. The valve can thicken due to abnormal protein formations and fall back against the left ventricle.
This process, called prolapsing, can lead to mitral regurgitation—leaking of blood back into the left atrium—or in some cases, heart failure. In most cases, however, mitral valve prolapses are not dangerous and do not result in any serious complications.
Usually, there are no noticeable symptoms of a mitral valve prolapse. Chest pains and fatigue may be signs of a mitral valve prolapse, but may also mean other, more serious heart conditions not associated with prolapse. A mitral heart prolapse will most likely result in a particular type of heart murmur, marked by a noticeable “click,” though diagnosis depends on the results of an ultrasound. Mitral heart prolapse is also associated with heart palpitations, nausea, anxiety, and migraines, though researchers are not sure how the prolapse causes all of the symptoms when they occur together.
Most cases of mitral valve prolapse require no treatment, as there are no symptoms or serious complications involved. In serious cases, where mitral regurgitation occurs, the valve can be repaired surgically, in order to prevent further risk of congestive heart failure.
Other treatments depend largely on the particular symptoms. A doctor may prescribe pain relievers for migraines and chest pain, or beta blockers to slow the heart rate of those with troubling palpitations. Doctors also often recommend cardiovascular exercise to strengthen the heart's ability to regulate blood flow.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Mitral Valve Prolapse
At this time, there is no blue book listing for mitral valve prolapse. The Social Security Administration would evaluate your case under one of the listings in section 4.00 Cardiovascular Diseases. It is important to remember that you will only qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you can demonstrate that your health condition keeps you from working and earning a living for an extended period of time. Many cases of mitral valve prolapse will not qualify for benefits because there are no noticeable symptoms or serious problems. Only the more severe cases, which may lead to heart failure and death, will qualify for benefits.
You may be able to qualify for benefits with a mitral valve prolapse under a medical vocational allowance. Medical vocational allowances take into account any functional limitations imposed by your health, as well as your age and previous jobs you've held, to determine what level of work, if any, you can perform. If it is found that a mitral valve prolapse limits the type of work you can perform, and your skills or education do not translate to other types of work, you may be able to receive benefits.
Your Mitral Valve Prolapse Case
Applying and qualifying for disability benefits with a mitral valve prolapse may be very difficult. In order to maximize your chances of being approved, consider hiring a Social Security Disability attorney. These lawyers specialize in the application process and can assist you in preparing documents and presenting your case to the Social Security Administration. There is a strong correlation between hiring a disability attorney and being approved for Social Security Disability benefits. If you are struggling to make ends meet because of your mitral valve prolapse, fill out the form on the following page for a free consultation with an attorney and begin taking the steps to get the benefits you need: Free Legal Evaluation
