There are a lot of different forms of congenital heart disease. Some present minor symptoms, while others are severely debilitating. For people who suffer from such serious conditions that their ability to work and engage in daily activities are limited, they might be eligible for benefits through SSDI. Learn about the difficulties faced by people with congenital heart disease, when they can apply for disability benefits, and why seeking help from a lawyer is important.
About Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease occurs when a person’s heart structure or functioning is abnormal and has been since before they were born. There are two general forms of this kind of heart disease: acyanotic and cyanotic. When the heart is unable to provide enough oxygen to the body, causing the skin to turn blue, this is cyanotic heart disease. Acyanotic refers to all other forms of heart disease.
There are within these two broad categories quite a few different forms of illness that can develop. In order to be eligible for benefits, the specific symptoms and disabilities you suffer are important.
Congenital Heart Disease and Disability
If you have a cyanotic form of heart disease, you are likely eligible for SSDI under the general disability eligibility requirements of the SSA, since this is one of the specific listed ailments under the administration’s list of qualifying impairments.
Those with acyanotic conditions must meet other qualifications including obstructive conditions that elevate blood pressure, impeded or abnormal blood flow and other complex requirements. Proving that you need disability requires you to demonstrate that your heart condition impairs your ability to work full-time.
RFC Assessments
In order to prove that you are disabled, you will need to provide, via your doctor, a Residual Functional Capacity Assessment, or RFC, to the SSA. This assessment will detail your physical limitations, including those associated with walking, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling, as well as any need to lay down or rest throughout the work day.
In addition, if your disease would require you to miss work more than 20% of the time, you may be eligible for disability. You should consider talking to a doctor specialized in heart disease to complete your assessment, as their opinion will carry more weight. The more objective and detailed evidence you can provide, the better off you’ll be.
Hiring a Disability Attorney
Even among those who really need SSDI benefits for their genuine disability, a great number of claims are refused both on the first try and on appeal. This makes it important for you to seek the services of a qualified SSDI attorney, who has seen approvals and denials, and knows the evidence required to push a claim through.
We’ve been helping disabled individuals in the Greater Los Angeles area, the Inland Empire, and Orange County get the disability benefits they need for years. Call Dr. Bill LaTour and his team today at 800-803-5090 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
