A Louisiana SSDI Lawyer Explains What You Need to Know When Applying for SSDI for Heart Disease
Heart disease can have a major impact on the lives of many individuals and can prevent them from being able to function in daily life. If you’re unable to work because of heart disease, you may be eligible for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), which can provide monthly payments for qualifying individuals. The process for the SSDI application for heart disease can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our skilled Louisiana SSDI lawyer at Phillip M. Hendry Law can explain the process, help you obtain the necessary documentation, and assist you with the application every step of the way.
Getting Ready to Apply for SSDI for a Heart Condition
SSDI can help eligible individuals who are not able to work due to their heart condition by providing monthly disability payments. The application process can involve several steps and require multiple documents. Important considerations include how long you have had your heart condition, the type and severity of the impairment, what treatments you have had, what testing has been done, and how heart disease impacts your ability to function. Having a qualified Louisiana SSDI lawyer to help you through the process can make it easier to navigate and increase your chances of approval.
How to Qualify for SSDI for Heart Disease
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates applications involving cardiovascular impairment under Section 4.00 of The Blue Book. Multiple conditions count as qualifying diseases under Section 4.00. Some heart conditions automatically qualify, including:
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart transplants
- Recurrent arrhythmias
However, there may be other heart conditions that impact the proper functioning of the heart and qualify for SSDI. Thorough documentation, including medical history, treatments, and other records, is critical to your SSDI application.
You’ll also need clear tests and evaluations to provide evidence of your condition. Specific heart conditions may require specific types of testing, and you may need to meet certain criteria to qualify. Because SSA information surrounding the different heart impairments can be complex and technical, working with an experienced Louisiana SSDI lawyer can go a long way in helping you understand what is necessary to meet or equal the listing.
What Happens if You Don’t Meet the Listing for a Cardiovascular Impairment
In some cases, you may qualify for benefits under a medical-vocational allowance even if you don’t qualify for SSDI benefits. Your Residual Functioning Capacity (RFC) will be evaluated, and you may still qualify as disabled under that criteria. In some cases, a cardiovascular impairment combined with other conditions (and in conjunction with age, work history, and additional factors) can also qualify a person for disability.
Overview of the SSDI Process
The process can be lengthy, but there are a few ways to break it down.
Qualifying for SSI or SSDI
To qualify for SSI or SSDI, you must meet some specific criteria:
- You cannot earn more than $1550 per month from substantial gainful activity (working).
- Your heart condition (or your heart condition combined with other impairments) must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- The cardiovascular impairment must meet or equal a listing in the Blue Book Section 4.00.
- The impairment must be proven to prevent the ability to perform past work.
- Evaluation and documentation must show that you are not able to do any other type of significant work.
When to Apply for Benefits
While you can apply for benefits as soon as you become disabled from your heart condition, there is a five-month waiting period, with benefits available on the 6th month. The waiting period begins one month after the date the SSA decides your disability began. Once all steps are completed, it can take six to nine months for your application to be reviewed.
What’s Involved With the Application
To apply, you’ll need multiple pieces of information, including detailed information about your medical history, testing, medications, and more. You’ll also need information about past employment, education, and training, plus basic data such as your date and place of birth. The process involves:
- Reviewing the facts about SSDI and your potential eligibility for your heart condition
- Going through an extensive checklist of necessary documents and information you’ll need
- Gathering information and records from multiple sources for the medical evaluation of your cardiovascular impairment, including a list of all doctors and hospitals where you’ve been treated
- Outlining information on your job history, wages, and education, including verification of past employment
- Completing the actual application and ensuring all records and essential documentation are included
Once completed, your application will be reviewed for non-medical information, and the next step is for the state Disability Examiner to review it. During this time, you may need to send additional information. If your application is denied, you can request reconsideration and submit additional documentation.
Phillip M. Hendry Law Can Help You Get the Benefits You Deserve
At Phillip M. Hendry Law, we know how important your health is and how challenging a condition like heart disease can be. The SSDI application process can be lengthy, and it can be difficult to navigate the documentation and records needed to show evidence of a heart condition that qualifies for SSDI. However, our knowledgeable team can help you throughout the SSDI application process, explain your options, help you avoid common mistakes, and increase your chances of approval.
Our experience with SSDI claims and commitment to our clients can help ensure you have the guidance you need every step of the way. Discover the difference it makes to have a qualified SSDI attorney on your side and contact our skilled Louisiana SSDI lawyer at Phillip M. Hendry Law today.