Cardiac Amyloidosis - AL Type is a rare form of cardiac amyloidosis that can impact a patient’s life in many ways. For instance, you almost certainly cannot work if you have this condition.
Thus, if you have cardiac amyloidosis – AL type, it may be necessary for you to apply for social security disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). And, if you qualify for a compassionate allowance, you may even receive your benefits sooner than most applicants.
What is Cardiac Amyloidosis - AL Type?
Cardiac amyloidosis - AL type is a rare condition in which deposits of a specific protein in the heart tissue begin replacing normal tissue. Over time, this results in the heart stiffening.
An overall reduction in heart function is often a consequence of this condition. Additionally, patients with cardiac amyloidosis - AL type may be more prone to heart block as well as arrhythmias.
Common symptoms of cardiac amyloidosis - AL type include:
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Fluid retention
- Shortness of breath, particularly during activity
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Trouble breathing when lying down
- Frequent nighttime urination
Someone with cardiac amyloidosis – AL type may require a heart transplant. Unfortunately, treatment options for this type of cardiac amyloidosis remain fairly limited at this time. Although heart transplantation can typically increase a patient’s life expectancy, it may not do so to the same extent as it would in patients with other conditions.
What Is A Compassionate Allowance?
Someone who applies for disability benefits does not necessarily receive these benefits immediately after the SSA approves their application. Usually, there is a five-month waiting period between the beginning of when the SSA determines a disability as eligible for receiving benefits to when an applicant receives their first payment.
The Compassionate Allowance Program (CAP) allows some applicants to skip this waiting period. If you qualify for a compassionate allowance, the SSA may expedite your application and provide you with benefits sooner.
The SSA’s Blue Book is a resource which offers information regarding how certain conditions may qualify some applicants for compassionate allowances. Applicants with cardiac amyloidosis - AL type can refer to sections 4.02 or 4.05 of the Blue Book to learn if they might qualify.
Medical Evidence for Cardiac Amyloidosis - AL Type
If you have cardiac amyloidosis - AL type and wish to show that you qualify for a compassionate allowance, it is wise to provide such evidence as the following when submitting your application:
- Test results, such as tissue biopsy results
- Overall clinical examination describing diagnostic features
Get Help With Your Cardiac Amyloidosis - AL Type Claim
Although cardiac amyloidosis - AL type is a rare condition—with only 2,500 to 5,000 new cases arising in the United States every year—it still impacts members of our population and can be quite debilitating.
If you are one of the few with cardiac amyloidosis – AL type, you need to focus on your recovery and treatment. This is easier to do when you have the assistance of a legal professional who handles cases involving cardiac amyloidosis - AL type and disability benefits. A qualified attorney may be able to help you collect and present the evidence necessary to show the SSA that you deserve a compassionate allowance. For more information, complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page to get connected with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website.
Additional Resources
- What is the Compassionate Allowances Program?
- Primary Cardiac Amyloidosis and Social Security Disability
