Which Heart Conditions Qualify for SSA Disability?

Whether manifesting as arrhythmia, Coronary Artery Disease, hypertension, or Congenital Heart Defects, the leading causes of heart disease are projected to affect over 180 million U.S. adults by 2050. Cardiovascular diseases are unequivocally the leading cause of death across the United States. This being said, not all heart conditions immediately result in death, but instead cause disabilities that prevent individuals from being able to work.

In scenarios where you are unable to work due to disability, it is likely that you will qualify for Social Security disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, the SSA limits the benefits of heart conditions to a list of specific impairments. If an individual’s symptoms are listed on the SSA’s official site, then they likely qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits.

What Are The Most Common Heart Conditions?

Coronary heart disease is by far the most common type of heart disease in the United States. In 2022 alone, it killed 371,506 people. One in 20 adults over the age of twenty have the condition. The disease occurs as a result of fatty substances building up in the arteries, scientifically known as atherosclerosis. Typically, risk factors for the disease include lifestyle choices such as smoking, inactivity, and an unhealthy diet. Healthier lifestyle choices are often prescribed as a way to lower the risk of developing the condition.

Which Heart Conditions Qualify for SSA Disability?

While you might have an impairing heart condition, it might not automatically qualify you for disability benefits. The SSA defines cardiovascular impairment as a disorder that affects the circulatory system or the heart’s ability to function properly. For the most part, the qualifying conditions can be broken down into the following eight heart problems:

• Recurrent arrhythmias or abnormal heart rates
• Congenital heart disease, also known as birth defects in the heart
• Heart transplant
• Chronic heart failure which typically leads to other conditions, such as congestive heart failure
• Aneurysms in the aorta or other major branches, or more simply, swelling of the heart’s major arteries
• Peripheral arterial disease, or damaged functions of the outer arteries
• Chronic venous insufficiency, which is a circulatory issue caused by damaged veins
• Ischemic heart disease, which manifests when the heart muscle does not receive sufficient blood supply

Call Our SSA Disability Attorney if Your Heart Condition Qualifies You for Benefits

If you are unsure of whether or not your heart condition qualifies, the SSA Blue Book lists out the full categories for cardiovascular system impairments. Regardless of specific conditions, it can be difficult to know how to navigate applications for SSA benefits. If you or your loved one is unsure how to apply for or manage their SSDI application, contact the experienced team of disability attorneys at Jan Dils Attorneys at Law today to get started. We offer free case consultations.