Social Security Disability Law: News and Facts

Cardiomyopathy represents a collection of diverse conditions of the heart muscle. These diseases have many causes, symptoms, and treatments and can affect people of all ages and races. When cardiomyopathy occurs, the normal muscle in the heart can thicken, stiffen, thin out, or fill with substances the body produces that do not belong in the heart muscle. As a result, the heart muscle’s ability to pump blood is reduced, which can lead to irregular heartbeats, the backup of blood into the lungs or rest of the body, and heart failure. The diagnosis of cardiomyopathy is usually established by a cardiologist with an EKG, echocardiogram, chest x-ray, and cardiac stress testing (e.g., treadmill). A coronary angiogram may be required. The SSA does not have a separate listing for cardiomyopathies. Instead, you apply under one of the other three categories: congestive heart failure (4.02), ischemic (coronary) heart disease (4.04), or arrhythmia (4.05). There are 4 types of cardiomyopathy:  ...

Atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF) is a heart condition that is characterized by irregular heartbeats or an arrhythmia. Millions of Americans are estimated to be living with Afib.  Severe forms of Afib can cause blood clots, strokes, heart failure and other heart-related complications. If chronic atrial fibrillation significantly interferes with your ability to work, you may qualify for disability benefits administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which has strict rules governing eligibility for benefits due to AFib. AFib occurs when the heart’s two upper chambers, called the atria, beat rapidly and become out of sync with the lower heart chambers, known as ventricles. This erratic heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can be an occasional occurrence or an ongoing, chronic condition that negatively affects blood flow. It can result in heart palpitations, weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting, leading to heart failure or stroke. General treatment for AFib usually ...