Can I Get Social Security Disability for Congenital Heart Disease?

Can I Get Social Security Disability for Congenital Heart Disease?

If you are disabled and unable to work due to congenital heart disease, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Congenital heart disease can vary in its severity – some patients may barely notice any impact while others may suffer a debilitating impact.

Social Security Listing 4.06

The agency considers applications based on congenital heart disease under Listing 4.06. To meet the listing, you must have symptomatic congenital heart disease that either is documented by medical imaging or cardiac catheterization. In addition, you must have one of the following:

  1. Cyanosis at rest and either (1) hematocrit of 55% or greater or (2) arterial O2 saturation of less than 90% in room air or resting arterial PO2 of 60 Torr or less

OR

  1. Intermittent right-to-left shunting, resulting in cyanosis on exertion, with arterial PO2 of 60 Torr or less at a workload equivalent to 5 METs or less

OR

  1. Secondary pulmonary vascular obstructive disease with pulmonary arterial systolic pressure elevated to at least 70% of the systemic arterial systolic pressure.

I Don’t Meet the Listing!

If you do not meet the listing, you may still qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. To prove that you are disabled and unable to work, you will need medical evidence that shows the severity of your impairment. Social Security will need reliable medical evidence from your doctors to show them that your condition limits you and prevents you from working.

Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons for a denial is not enough medical evidence. It is important that you keep a log of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics you have seen for your congenital heart disease, including any inpatient stays or hospitalizations.

If you do not meet the listing, Social Security will consider your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC outlines your job restrictions and will be used to determine if you can go back to your past work. Your RFC is also used to determine whether there is other work available for you.

Jacksonville Social Security Attorney

If you have been diagnosed with symptomatic congenital heart disease and are unable to return to work in any capacity, contact a local attorney today. An attorney can help answer your questions or help you apply for disability.