In 2008 the SSA introduced the Compassionate Allowances program. This program was introduced as a result of the fact that individuals who suffer from certain severe disabilities cannot possibly wait the standard wait times associated with traditional Social Security Disability claims. The Compassionate Allowances program was introduced to address this fact, allowing some applicants to be approved for benefits in as few as 10 days. When the program was first introduced there were only 50 conditions that would qualify an individual for processing under the program’s guidelines. That list has now been expanded to include approximately 200 different conditions. Transplant coronary artery vasculopathy is now one of the conditions that can qualify an applicant for claim processing under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Transplant Coronary Artery Vasculopathy Condition and Symptoms
Transplant coronary artery vasculopathy, also known as transplant cardiac allograft vasculopathy and cardiac transplant vasculopathy, is a failure of a cardiac transplantation. Cardiac transplantation is a surgery used to treat end-stage heart failure. Transplant coronary artery vasculopathy is the second-most common cause of death for individuals who have received a cardiac transplant. The medications that are used to help the body accept the transplant may also cause problems such as endothelial cell injury and intimal hyperplasia. Symptoms of transplant coronary artery vasculopathy can vary from one case to the next. Common symptoms associated with the condition include:
- Heart failure
- Dangerous changes in heart rhythm
- Sudden cardiac arrest
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits with Transplant Coronary Artery Vasculopathy
If you wish to qualify for Compassionate Allowances processing of your Social Security Disability application, you need to provide the SSA with medical evidence that supports the fact that your condition meets the criteria of the Compassionate Allowances guideline. If you do not provide the SSA with this medical evidence, your claim may be delayed or denied.
In the case of transplant coronary artery vasculopathy, you must provide the SSA with:
- Imaging results from intravascular ultrasonography.
- Results from a coronary angiogram.
- Results from a dobutamine stress echocardiography.
- Single proton emission CT and multidetector CT results.
- Proof of non-specific graft failure.
- Proof of multi-organ failure.
- Proof of acute rejection of the organ.
- Proof of infection.
- A clinical exam documenting edema, general discomfort, pain and/or swelling in the chest or close to the heart.
Unfortunately this disease is progressive in nature and is unresponsive to treatment in most cases. Retransplantation can provide a viable treatment option but is limited due to a shortage of organs.
Transplant Coronary Artery Vasculopathy and Your Social Security Disability Case
It is possible to apply for Social Security Disability benefits without the help of an attorney. It is important to keep in mind, however, that statistics have shown that applicants who retail the services of a disability attorney are more likely to be awarded benefits than those who do not.
When you work with a disability attorney he or she will ensure that your claim forms are filled out properly and that you have provided sufficient medical documentation to support your case. Considering the fact that the majority of cases are denied due to improperly filled out claim forms or a lack of medical documentation, this can greatly increase your chances of being approved during the initial stage of the application process.
