SSA Listing of Impairments: Cardiovascular System

Cardiovascular impairments are one of the 14 categories of impairments the Social Security Administration (SSA) identifies as being eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Not every type of heart disorder is considered to be disabling, so you should review the SSA listing of impairments official criteria to determine whether your cardiovascular impairments qualify.

What does the SSA define as cardiovascular impairments?

There are 3 general definitions of cardiovascular impairments when you are applying for Social Security disability benefits. The first and most general definition is "any disorder that affects the proper functioning of the heart or the circulatory system (that is, arteries, veins, capillaries, and the lymphatic drainage). The disorder can be congenital or acquired."

The SSA also considers cardiovascular impairments that result from heart disease. There are 4 classifications:

• chronic heart failure of ventricular dysfunction;
• side effects such as pain or discomfort from myocardial ischemia (ischemic heart disease);
• loss of consciousness (syncope) because of inadequate cerebral perfusion from any cardiac cause that results in inadequate cardiac output; and
• central cyanosis.

Disorders of the veins or arteries such as peripheral vascular disease may also cause impairments to other body systems by impairing the blood flow to these extremities. These multi-system impairments are also often considered as cardiovascular impairments eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

Approved Tests to Show Cardiovascular Impairments

The SSA listing of impairments approves several types of cardiovascular tests to determine the severity and presence of many cardiovascular impairments when applying for Social Security disability benefits. The following tests may be used in determining eligibility:

• electrocardiograph (ECG);
• exercise tolerance tests (ETT);
• doppler tests; and
• cardiac catheterization (coronary arteriography and left ventriculography).

The SSA may order one or more of these tests depending on the nature of your cardiovascular impairments and the evidence you supply.

Cardiovascular Impairments for Social Security Disability Benefits

When you file your application for Social Security disability benefits your cardiovascular impairments will be evaluated to determine whether they are severe enough to qualify you as disabled. Your application must detail the history of the cardiovascular impairments, show a history of ongoing treatment, and provide evidence that the conditions limit your ability to function in substantial gainful employment.

Your application for Social Security disability benefits should contain evidence from medical professionals that help support your disability claim. Contact information for your treating physicians needs to be listed, as well as another party with knowledge of your disability and the cardiovascular impairments that prevent you from working.

When submitting your application materials for your Social Security disability benefits claim you will need to provide medical evidence for your cardiovascular impairments. The medical evidence serves to show there is a disabling condition that has lasted or is expected to last more than 12 months or result in death.

Your work history and personal testimony on your impairment's impact on your ability to work will serve to prove that the cardiovascular impairments prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity. Because the SSA will not accept a simple list of symptoms as proof that you cannot work, a Jacksonville Social Security disability lawyer may be necessary to help you prepare a solid claim.

Contacting a Jacksonville Social Security Disability Lawyer

The Social Security attorneys at Sullivan & Hepler understand that you have questions regarding your Jacksonville Social Security disability claim. We have your answers. Before you hire an attorney or file your claim, order this free consumer guide Cutting Through the Red Tape: Top Ten Things Florida Social Security Disability Applicants Should Know for more information about how to build a strong claim. Contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193