Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States and a disabling medical condition for those living with it. While disability benefits are available to individuals suffering from heart disease, obtaining these vital resources is challenging and the majority of initial claims are denied.
If you or a loved one cannot work due to a heart condition, Disability Attorneys of Arizona can help. Our legal team will guide you through all aspects of the disability benefit claims process, from applying to appeals. Rest assured we will stand by you every step of the way, providing you informed representation when you need it most.
Contact our office today so we can start working on your heart disease claim. The initial consultation is free and you will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we win benefits for you.
What is heart disease?
Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, is a term for a group of diseases that affect the heart and its network of arteries, veins, and capillaries. The most common form of cardiovascular disease is coronary artery disease, a condition in which blocked blood vessels can cause heart attacks and other problems with the heart. Cardiovascular disease may also involve conditions such as:
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Infections
- Defects
The causes of heart disease depend on the specific condition, however, the leading causes include atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, and genetic factors (e.g. birth defects).
Although cardiovascular disease can be treated through diet and exercise, blood thinners and other medications, and, in severe cases, heart surgery, heart disease can be severely disabling. Given the fact that obtaining benefits is not easy, it takes an experienced Arizona disability attorney to protect your rights.
Heart Disease, Disability and the Blue Book
The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a list of qualifying medical impairments known as the Blue Book, which includes several types of heart disease, such as:
- Chronic heart failure occurs when the heart becomes weakened due to heart attacks, defects, or other cardiovascular conditions and is unable to pump enough blood to the body. Chronic heart failure often leads to severe fluid retention, known as congestive heart failure.
- Ischemic heart disease occurs when the heart muscle lacks sufficient blood supply, frequently due to coronary heart disease.
- Recurrent arrhythmias, tachycardia (too rapid), or bradycardia (too slow) may cause fainting or cardiac arrest.
- Symptomatic congenital heart disease includes birth defects in the heart which cause malfunctions.
- Aortic aneurysm involves swelling in the aorta or other major arteries of the heart
- Peripheral arterial disease occurs when there is impaired function of outlying arteries.
Though the Blue Book includes the foregoing types of heart disease, you must meet the technical and medical eligibility requirements to obtain benefits. This is why you need an experienced disability lawyer to assist with your claim.
How Disability Attorneys of Arizona Can Help with Your Claim
Applying for disability benefits is daunting, even more so when you are coping with heart disease. Why not let us handle your claim so that you can focus on getting the medical treatment you need?
We will review your work history to make sure you have acquired enough work credits to qualify for benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and determine whether you are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Further, our skilled disability attorney knows how to compile a medical record that supports your heart disease claim.
If the SSA determines that your heart condition does not meet the criteria outlined in the Blue Book, you may still be eligible for benefits based on your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) — the physical limits that your heart condition places on your ability to conduct any amount of full-time work. Key symptoms that a disability examiner will look for include:
- Exhaustion
- Breathing difficulty
- Angina
By collaborating with your doctor, we will develop a medical report that includes specific guidance about your work-related limits, particularly your ability to stand, sit, walk, carry, and climb. We will also make sure that the medical evidence includes any other conditions that may be related to your heart disease (e.g. diabetes, hypertension).
Over our many years of practice, we have developed positive working relationships with disability examiners and Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) who view us as dedicated advocates who only handle legitimate claims. Above all, we will always work in your best interests and handle your claim with the care and professionalism it deserves.
Contact Our Experienced Arizona Disability Attorneys for Help With Your Heart Disease Claim
At Disability Attorneys of Arizona, we will represent you before the SSA through all phases of the claims process. We know that dealing with heart disease can be an overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial burden. Our team can help to lift that burden by providing you with trustworthy advice and dependable service. The sooner you contact our Phoenix office, the sooner we can start working on your heart disease claim.