Fibromuscular dysplasia can qualify as one of the disabling conditions for SSDI under Social Security Administration rules when it significantly limits your ability to function or work full-time.
Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a rare vascular condition that causes abnormal cell growth in the walls of medium-sized arteries. The condition most commonly affects the arteries supplying the kidneys and brain, but it can also affect arteries throughout the body. Fibromuscular dysplasia can lead to narrowed arteries, aneurysms, artery dissections, reduced blood flow, high blood pressure, and other serious complications.
Depending on the arteries involved and the severity of symptoms, fibromuscular dysplasia can cause chronic pain, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, stroke-like symptoms, and other impairments that may interfere with daily activities and employment.
Approval for Social Security disability for fibromuscular dysplasia depends on:
- Diagnosis confirmation
- Severity and complications
- Duration (must last or be expected to last at least 12 months)
- Treatment response
- Functional limitations affecting the ability to sustain full-time work
Even if your condition does not exactly meet the Blue Book listing for cardiovascular or neurological disorders, you may still qualify if your symptoms are medically equivalent or prevent you from maintaining full-time work.
Applicants may qualify for SSDI for fibromuscular dysplasia or SSI physical disability depending on work history and financial situation. Fibromuscular dysplasia is typically evaluated under SSA cardiovascular, neurological, or vascular disorder listings depending on the complications involved.
Common Symptoms the SSA Looks For
The SSA evaluates the severity of fibromuscular dysplasia based on how severe symptoms are, how often they occur, and how they affect your ability to function.
For example, if you experience chronic headaches, dizziness, fatigue, uncontrolled high blood pressure, pain, or neurological symptoms caused by fibromuscular dysplasia, you may not be able to perform jobs that require prolonged standing, concentration, operating machinery, physical exertion, or consistent attendance. Symptoms may also make it difficult to maintain reliable full-time employment.
Common symptoms of fibromuscular dysplasia include:
- Chronic headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- High blood pressure
- Neck pain
- Pulsatile tinnitus (hearing a whooshing sound in the ears)
- Fatigue
- Visual disturbances
- Weakness, numbness, or neurological symptoms
When evaluating your claim, the SSA will check your medical records to see how severe your condition is. If your fibromuscular dysplasia leads to chronic symptoms, vascular complications, neurological impairments, or reduced daily functioning, you may be able to qualify for SSDI.
Symptoms may be qualifying for SSDI if they:
- Recur frequently or become chronic
- Cause significant vascular or neurological complications
- Persist despite treatment such as medication, angioplasty, or blood pressure management
The SSA will look at your medical records and other evidence to determine if your symptoms are severe enough to keep you from working.
How Fibromuscular Dysplasia Can Affect Your Ability to Work
Severe or chronic fibromuscular dysplasia can make it difficult or impossible to work if you cannot perform basic activities required in most jobs.
Even moderate symptoms can cause limitations that make it difficult to work like:
- Chronic headaches interfering with concentration and productivity
- Dizziness affecting balance and safety
- Fatigue reducing stamina throughout the workday
- Difficulty performing physically demanding activities
- Visual disturbances affecting work performance
- Need for frequent medical monitoring or treatment
- Missed work because of symptoms, medical appointments, or complications
Frequent doctor visits, vascular specialist appointments, imaging studies, procedures, or treatment for complications can also be considered impairments that make it difficult to maintain consistent employment.
SSA Medical Criteria for Physical Disabilities
The Social Security Administration requires that you submit detailed medical records and documentation of your symptoms and your condition. You must show proof that your condition and symptoms make it impossible for you to work, which is a key part of the SSDI application process.
The SSA looks for evidence in your application such as:
- Physician notes confirming diagnosis and ongoing symptoms
- CT angiograms, MR angiograms, ultrasounds, or other vascular imaging studies
- Blood pressure records showing uncontrolled hypertension
- Hospitalization records related to vascular complications
- Treatment history including medications, angioplasty, or surgery
- Records of aneurysms, dissections, stroke, or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
- Reports describing daily functioning (ADLs)
You can still qualify even if you do not meet a listing if your functional capacity prevents full-time work. This reflects SSA physical impairment listings and disability criteria.
If You Don't Meet the SSA Criteria With Fibromuscular Dysplasia
If you don't meet the Blue Book requirements for fibromuscular dysplasia, you may still be able to qualify for SSDI. The SSA evaluates your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), or your ability to work based on the severity of your symptoms.
Even if you don't meet the Blue Book standard, you may qualify for SSDI if your symptoms are severe like:
- Frequent dizziness or balance problems
- Chronic headaches affecting concentration
- Fatigue limiting physical activity
- Neurological symptoms affecting daily functioning
- Difficulty performing physically demanding work
- Ongoing treatment needs
- Repeated medical visits or vascular complications
Chronic vascular symptoms, hypertension, neurological impairments, and treatment-related limitations can strengthen your claim. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal a disability denial with the help of a disability attorney.
Qualifying for SSI With Fibromuscular Dysplasia
SSDI is based on your work history, while SSI eligibility is based on financial need. If you have never been able to work because of your medical condition, you can apply for SSI and still get benefits.
If you have assets that are around $2,000 or less for a single person, or $3,000 or less for a couple, you may qualify for SSI even if you have not worked enough to get SSDI.
A strong disability claim includes evidence that shows:
- Consistent medical treatment
- Specialist care (such as a vascular specialist, cardiologist, or neurologist)
- Documentation of symptoms and functional limitations
- Records of treatment, including medications or procedures
- Evidence of how symptoms impact daily activities
- Work history showing reduced capacity
Initial denials are common, and the disability claim process often involves appeals.
How Much Does Disability Pay With Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Disability benefits are not based on your diagnosis, they are based on your previous earnings. SSI benefit amounts are income-based and capped.
Typical SSDI and SSI benefit amounts nationally are:
- The average SSDI payment is about $1,500 per month
- The federal maximum payment for SSI is about $943 per month (may vary by state)
Back pay may be available depending on your application timeline. Physical disability benefits are calculated the same as other conditions.
How to Apply For SSDI With Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Applying for disability can be done online, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. When you apply you will need documentation including your work history, your medical records, a list of your medical providers, your Social Security card, and other documents that show how your condition makes it impossible for you to work.
To document your illness and show how it affects your ability to work, you should keep track of:
- Frequency and severity of symptoms
- Blood pressure fluctuations or vascular events
- Activities that worsen symptoms
- Medication use and side effects
- Impact on daily functioning
Supporting statements from medical professionals and others can help your claim. If you can, get supporting statements from:
- Doctors or specialists
- Medical providers
- Family members
- Employers or HR
Your chances of getting an approval are stronger if you can show with medical evidence why you can't work.
How a Disability Lawyer Can Help
A disability lawyer may be able to help you with your claim. A lawyer can help you by:
- Organizing medical evidence
- Communicating with the SSA
- Obtaining expert opinions
- Handling appeals
Disability attorneys charge no upfront fees and are only paid if your claim is approved.
Get Help With Your Fibromuscular Dysplasia Disability Claim Today
If fibromuscular dysplasia is preventing you from working, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. Request a free case evaluation today to get connected with a disability attorney who may be able to answer your questions and help you apply for benefits.
