Survivors of cardiac events may not fully return to work despite appearing fine outwardly. According to Steve Perrigo, vice president at Allsup, “fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness and cardiac rhythm issues can make it extremely hard to meet the physical and mental demands of a full-time job.” The Social Security Administration evaluates cardiovascular conditions including chronic heart failure, ischemic heart disease, recurrent arrhythmias, aneurysm of the aorta or major branches, chronic venous insufficiency, and peripheral arterial disease for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) eligibility.
Claim Approval Pathways
Meeting a specific Blue Book listing is not required to qualify for SSDI. Many people are approved through a medical-vocational allowance when symptoms and functional limitations prevent them from performing past work or adjusting to other work. Perrigo noted a common misunderstanding: “In reality, claims are often decided based on how well medical records explain what a person can no longer do in a work setting.” Cardiovascular disability claims are frequently denied when medical records focus on test results but do not clearly describe how symptoms affect day-to-day work abilities. Symptoms such as fatigue, reduced exertional tolerance, and inability to sustain activity throughout a workday should be accurately documented. SSDI eligibility can apply to individuals who are working but cannot maintain earnings at a level the SSA considers substantial gainful activity.
Requirements and Evidence
To qualify for SSDI, individuals must have a severe, medically determinable condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and must have sufficient work credits through Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) payroll contributions. Medical evidence typically includes objective testing, clinician records, treatment history, and documentation connecting symptoms to functional work limitations. According to Allsup, which has helped more than 425,000 people nationwide receive Social Security disability benefits over more than four decades, understanding how eligibility works and how to document limitations can make a meaningful difference in the SSDI process.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/26/02/g50483895/allsup-highlights-ssdi-eligibility-for-heart-disease-and-stroke-survivors