How to Get Social Security Disability Benefits If You Have Congestive Heart Failure

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Texas, according to the American Heart Association. That is a frightening statistic, especially since heart disease can impact many different groups of people and their loved ones.

Heart conditions are so serious that the Social Security Administration has recognized chronic heart failure as a disability. If you suffer from congestive heart failure, you are likely all too familiar with the dangers of this condition. Congestive heart failure causes the heart to be unable to pump a sufficient amount of blood. As a result, blood accumulates in the vessels that lead to the heart.

Common Causes of Congestive Heart Failure

Some common causes of congestive heart failure that may lead to Social Security disability eligibility include:

• Most forms of heart disease, including cardiomyopathy, valvular disease, and pericardial disease
• Scar tissue caused by a previous heart attack, which interferes with the heart’s ability to function
• High blood pressure
• Coronary heart disease
• Inflammation of the heart muscle, valves, or surface tissue
• Congenital heart defects

Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure

As you search for further information as to whether your heart condition might qualify you for Social Security disability benefits, it is important to assess your symptoms. Following are some symptoms caused by congestive heart failure:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Treatment for Congestive Heart Failure

If you can demonstrate that you suffer from congestive heart failure, it is also important to show that you have sought treatment in order to try to return to work. Following are some of the more common types of treatment recommended by medical professionals:

• Rest
• Proper diet
• Modified daily activities
• Medication, including ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, digitalis, diuretics, or vasodilators

However, even with treatment, you may be unable to work and you may need Social Security disability benefits.

Qualifying for Disability Benefits When You Suffer From Congestive Heart Failure

If you are suffering from congestive heart failure, the last thing you should be worrying about is how you are going to be able to support yourself. Instead, you should be focusing on your health. Social Security disability benefits may allow you to do just that. To obtain benefits, the follow actions may be necessary:

• Contact an attorney for guidance. Having a legal professional in your corner can help ensure that you submit the strongest possible case for obtaining disability benefits.
• Complete the application for Social Security disability benefits.
• Demonstrate that you have been diagnosed with severe and continuing heart failure.
• Show that you have taken medication to treat your condition.
• Submit medical records that prove you have had fluid retention at some point in time as a result of the congestive heart failure.
• Demonstrate that you suffer from the objective symptoms and functional limitations outlined by the Social Security Administration.

With so much at stake, both financially and emotionally, it is important to seek guidance from an experienced professional when applying for benefits. The attorneys at Morgan & Weisbrod have assisted countless clients just like you to obtain the disability benefits they need. To learn more, visit our client testimonials page today.

by Paul B. Burkhalter
Managing Partner of Morgan & Weisbrod, Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law.

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