An arrhythmia is a condition in where your heart beats at an abnormal pace. While some types of arrhythmia are mild, certain types of this disease can cause a stroke or heart attack.
Medical Evidence
To receive disability benefits for an arrhythmia, there are certain types of evidence you can provide to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help your case. You should have a record of at least 12 months of medical history that includes the hospitals you visited, your medical record, physical exams, lab reports, test results, and any other relevant evidence. You should also keep a record of any treatment you received and how you responded to the treatment.
If your records show that you exhibit all of the following criteria, you could automatically be approved for disability benefits:
- Three different episodes of fainting in twelve months
- An EKG test that proves these fainting episodes are connected to your arrhythmia
- These fainting episodes occur even though you have been following a treatment plan
- Your arrhythmia is not caused by a reversible condition
Non-Medical Evidence
If your arrhythmia doesn’t qualify you for automatic disability, you can still be approved for benefits. By reviewing your medical records, the SSA will assess your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to see if you are able to work at your current or past jobs or if there is any other job you are able perform with your medical limitation. This is why it is important to provide a complete package of medical evidence and history for your arrhythmia.
In some cases, your doctor may submit an RFC assessment on your behalf with medical evidence to support your inability to work. Copies of doctor’s reports, hospital visits, medication lists, lab tests, and all other related treatments and tests can help the SSA determine your eligibility.
An arrhythmia can cause depression and anxiety. You can also provide the SSA with evidence that you see a psychiatrist or psychologist for these issues, and they may provide further proof that your mental limitations brought on by arrhythmia affect your ability to work. If you need help with your claim, consider contacting a disability attorney.
