Living with a serious heart condition can make everyday life difficult, and in many cases, it may prevent you from working full-time. For New Yorkers facing this challenge, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can provide critical financial support.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates heart conditions under its “Blue Book” Listing of Impairments, Section 4.00: Cardiovascular System. Meeting the strict criteria in the Blue Book may qualify you automatically for benefits. However, even if your condition doesn’t exactly fit a listing, you may still be eligible under what’s called a “medical-vocational allowance” if your symptoms and limitations prevent you from maintaining steady work.
Below are some of the most common heart conditions that may qualify for SSDI in New York.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure happens when the heart can’t pump enough blood to the rest of the body. This may cause shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, and dizziness. If testing shows that your heart function is severely limited despite ongoing treatment, you may qualify under the SSA’s listing for chronic heart failure.
Coronary Artery Disease
This condition develops when plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. Symptoms often include chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath, especially during activity. Severe cases that limit your ability to exert yourself may meet the Blue Book requirements.
Heart Transplant
If you’ve had a heart transplant, the SSA considers you disabled for one year following your surgery. After that period, your eligibility will depend on whether you continue to meet a listing or qualify through a medical-vocational allowance.
Aortic or Major Artery Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a bulge in a weakened blood vessel wall. When it involves the aorta — the body’s largest artery — the condition can be extremely dangerous. The SSA may grant benefits if your aneurysm poses a significant health risk despite treatment.
Recurrent Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms that can cause dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath. While not every case qualifies on its own, severe arrhythmias that persist despite medical treatment and affect your ability to work may support an SSDI claim.
When the Blue Book Criteria Don’t Apply
Not every person with a serious heart condition will meet the exact requirements in the SSA’s Blue Book. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
The SSA will also evaluate your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) — essentially, what kind of work, if any, you can still perform. If your condition prevents you from working full-time, even at a sedentary job, you may qualify for SSDI benefits through a medical-vocational allowance.
Get Help With Your SSDI Heart Condition Claim in New York
Applying for Social Security Disability with a heart condition can be overwhelming. The listings are complex, and many claims are denied simply because the application didn’t fully explain how the condition limits the person’s ability to work.
At MCV Law, our experienced disability attorneys help New Yorkers gather the right medical evidence, complete applications accurately, and appeal denials when necessary. If you or a loved one is struggling with a serious heart condition and unable to work, we’re here to guide you through the SSDI process.
Schedule a free consultation with MCV Law today to learn if your heart condition may qualify you for benefits.