Sinus bradycardia is a cardiac defect that manifests itself as a slow heartbeat. It has its origins in the sinus node of the heart. Another word for a sinus node is your heart’s natural pacemaker. It produces the organized electrical impulses that assist your heart to beat. A normal heart beats between 60 and 100 times each minute but with bradycardia the heart rate is slower than 60 beats per minute. It is definitely possible to qualify for disability benefits with sinus bradycardia, but you must provide the proper medical evidence.
How Does Bradycardia Affect the Ability to Work?
The symptoms of bradycardia could include any of the following:
- tiring quickly when engaged in physical activity;
- shortness of breath;
- fainting;
- dizziness or lightheadedness;
- chest pains;
- being confused or having trouble with memory.
Qualifying with Sinus Bradycardia Symptoms
Bradycardia does not have its own listing in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) Blue Book, which is a list of disabilities that qualify for SSD. This means it makes it more difficult to assess a disability benefit application based solely on presentation of the condition. When you file your application the Disability Determination Services (DDS) staff will have to look through the Blue Book to see if any other medical condition listing matches the symptoms for bradycardia. If a listing is found, you may qualify for disability benefits without providing any further information, Common conditions that are similar to sinus bradycardia in the Blue Book listing are Section 4.00, which includes the Cardiovascular System in the general listing and Section 4.06 under symptomatic congenital heart disease.
What is an RFC?
If you do not meet exact criteria you can still meet the listing with your doctor’s help to fill out a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment form. Your doctor will test your physical and mental abilities and with this information the SSA will use the RFC to see if you are able to work at your current or past jobs or if there is any other job you are able to perform with your medical limitation. To help support your application you will also need to provide copies of your doctor’s reports, hospital visits, medication lists, lab tests, and all other related treatments and tests can help the SSA determine your eligibility.
Have Your Case Reviewed By an Attorney
If you do not have the confidence to file your disability benefits claim you should seek help from a disability lawyer who will help you with identifying your medical condition in the Blue Book listing. The lawyer can help also communicate with your doctor to help you package your case and help you receive a favorable claim.
