The amount of people who have applied for and received Social Security Disability Insurance benefits continues to increase. Many people may know someone – a friend, relative or neighbor – who might be receiving these benefits because of a disability.
However, people are often unsure exactly what conditions could cause a person to be unable to work. They may think that it only has to do with something like a shoulder or back injury that makes a worker unable to lift or move heavy items. While these conditions, if severe enough, may result in SSDI benefits being awarded, there are other injuries or illnesses that could lead to benefits for those unable to work.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has very specific requirements that must be satisfied before an application will be approved. Quite often these initial applications will be rejected, which can lead to a lengthy delay before SSDI benefits will be received.
The SSA has listed several injuries and illnesses under its “Listing of Impairments,” which categories items and the symptoms that must be present. One listing deals specifically with heart conditions.
To receive SSDI benefits for heart conditions, an applicant must have:
- Chronic heart failure
- Ventricular dysfunction
- Ischemic heart disease
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Other conditions listed by the agency in the section 4.00 Cardiovascular System
Many people with these heart conditions simply do not have the strength necessary to perform their job activities. Most of their energy goes into their recovery, which can be a very lengthy process. They cannot return to work, meaning that without the benefits they will not be able to make ends meet.
When applying for SSDI benefits, it is crucial to know the information that you must report to the SSA to establish the disability being claimed. Each condition will require that a medical professional supply information that proves the applicant has the necessary symptoms.
It is important to know that there are options available if the initial application is denied. The applicant may appeal the decision, which may lead to SSDI benefits being awarded.
