Can I Get Social Security Disability for Peripheral Arterial Disease?

If you have been diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease and are unable to work in any capacity, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Social Security Listing 4.12

Social Security has included peripheral arterial disease in its Blue Book of disability listings. However, patients who have been diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease experience different levels of severity, and just receiving the diagnosis from a doctor is not enough to be considered disabled. Some patients who suffer from peripheral arterial disease have no symptoms or very mild symptoms, while other patients may suffer severe symptoms including pain or tiredness in the legs; leg pain, weakness, or numbness (even at rest); and change in the color of the affected leg.

Social Security considers applications for disability based on peripheral arterial disease under Listing 4.12. To meet this listing, you must have peripheral arterial disease that causes intermittent claudication as found on medically acceptable imaging. You must also have one of the following:

1. Resting ankle/brachial systolic blood pressure ratio of less than 0.50.
2. A decrease in your systolic blood pressure at your ankle on exertion of 50% or more of pre-exertion level and requiring 10 minutes or more to return to pre-exertion level.
3. Resting toe systolic pressure of less than 30 mm Hg.
4. Resting toe/brachial systolic blood pressure ration of less than 0.40.

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 respiratory failure, 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 Disability Attorney

If you have been diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease and are unable to work in any capacity due to your physical condition, contact a local attorney today. An attorney can help answer your questions or help you apply for disability.