Long-Term Disability Benefits for Heart Disease
Long-Term Disability Benefits for Heart Disease
Heart disease affects nearly half of all Americans. That’s a sobering statistic, and it likely means that you, or someone you know, may struggle with this condition. Heart disease and illnesses related to it are often referred to as “cardiovascular” conditions – meaning that the heart, blood vessels, and related systems are affected. If you struggle with a cardiovascular condition, you may find your life significantly altered as a result. You may be unable to enjoy many of your day-to-day activities, perhaps even unable to work and provide for yourself and those you love.
Heart disease and its various complications can impact life in a variety of ways. In some cases, slight adjustments may allow you to continue living a relatively normal life, while in other cases, the effect on day-to-day routine and quality of living can be quite severe. If your heart disease significantly limits your day-to-day activities and ability to function as you normally do, you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits, either through private insurance or through Social Security.
What Type of Heart Conditions Might Qualify?
Various types of heart disease may qualify for long-term disability benefits, depending upon the severity of the condition. Some of these types include:
- Arrhythmia: An arrhythmia, also known as an abnormal heartbeat, is essentially a disruption of the heart’s electrical system.
- Hypertension: Hypertension is the medical term for “high blood pressure” which can often, although not always, arise in connection with high cholesterol and other heart-related issues.
- Congestive heart failure: If the heart can no longer pump sufficient quantities of blood to the body’s organs, the blood that is returning to the heart will start to build up, resulting in congestion in the heart’s tissues.
- Coronary artery disease: A type of coronary artery disease called atherosclerosis can occur when fat and calcium deposits accumulate in the arteries, causing decreased blood flow to the heart. A related condition, arteriosclerosis, can occur with those deposits that cause the walls of the arteries to harden.
- Heart transplant: Individuals who have undergone a heart transplant are typically considered disabled for one year following surgery.
Complications from any of the foregoing conditions or others that are ultimately classified as “heart disease” can include heart attack, stroke, or ultimately, heart failure, depending upon the severity of the condition and whether or not it is effectively treated.
While these are a few conditions that typically fall within the umbrella of “heart disease” or “cardiovascular impairments” each and every circumstance is unique. Consulting with both a doctor and an experienced attorney will ultimately be the wisest course of action in determining whether your condition may qualify for long-term disability benefits.
How Do I Prove My Case?
Those who are seeking long-term disability benefits for heart disease will need to provide proof to the insurance company or to the Social Security Administration, depending upon what type of long-term benefits are being applied for. Necessary proof should establish not only the existence of the condition itself but also the functional impairment that results from the condition.
For those applying for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, it will be helpful if the applicant can establish that the condition falls within the parameters of an impairment listed in the Social Security Administration’s “Blue Book”. This is a directory of sorts that includes a variety of conditions that, if established, typically qualify for benefits. If benefits are being sought under an insurance policy, you will still likely need to establish that the impairment affects your ability to function significantly.
Regardless of which type of long-term disability benefits you are seeking, to obtain the medical proof you will need to effectively establish your claim, it will be essential to regularly consult and treat with a physician that you trust, who can ensure that your condition is appropriately documented from a medical perspective. Additionally, it will be vital to find and retain an attorney who knows and understands the law, and who can help you gather the evidence that you need to present your best possible case for benefits.
MJ Ellis Disability Law – Here for You
Without question, living with heart disease can be challenging. If you find yourself in this situation, you deserve to focus on what’s most important – your health, happiness and enjoying life with those you love. You don’t need the stress of worrying about legal matters and how you will pursue the benefits you need and deserve. That’s why you should leave those matters in the hands of the knowledgeable and experienced team at MJ Ellis Disability Law.
At MJ Ellis, we know and understand the complex law that pertains to disability benefits, and we understand the best legal strategies to pursue on your behalf. If you’re ready to get started, we’re here to help. There’s no day like today to take that first step. Give us a call at any time. We look forward to speaking with you soon.