Even though you may believe that your heart valve disorder prevents you from going to work the Social Security Administration (SSA) may not make a decision in your favor if it is not convinced you are sick enough not to go to work.
If your disability claim for heart valve disorder was denied, you can file an appeal. Here are 6 tips you should follow to help win your disability appeal with a heart valve disorder.
The 5 tips you should consider following when you lodge an appeal for disability claims for a heart valve disorder are as follows:
- 1. Include more medical evidence;
- 2. Provide details of an hour by hour list of daily activities;
- 3. Undergo more tests and provide the test results;
- 4. Include the requirements in the Blue Book;
- 5. Undertake an RFC.
- 6. Contact a disability lawyer.
1. Include More Medical Evidence
The sort of medical evidence you can add may include a report compiled by your doctor explaining the debilitating nature of the heart valve disorder The symptoms of a heart valve disorder will vary depending on the type and extent of your condition but tell your doctor so they can be included in the report. They may be any of the following:
- Weakness;
- swelling of the abdomen, feet and ankles;
- heart palpitations;
- fatigue;
- dizzy feeling;
- difficulty breathing and/or shortness of breath;
- chest discomfort.
2. Provide Details of an Hour by Hour List of Daily Activities
By providing an hour by hour list of your daily activities including what help you have needed to take part in these activities helps to indicate the level of your disability. With the symptoms of a heart valve disorder be clear about how much help you need like going shopping or visiting your doctor.
3. Undergo more tests and provide the test results
There are several tests that can determine the severity of your heart valve disorder./p>
- Your doctor will undertake a physical examination by listening to your heart and lungs, and check if you have any swelling in your ankles or legs.
- An X-ray will check the size of your heart and if your lungs are fluid filled.
- An echocardiogram looks at how your heart pumps blood, checks your blood flow and shows how well your heart’s valves are working.
- An electrocardiogram (ECG) checks your heart rate and rhythm, and determines if your heart chambers are thicker than normal.
- An MRI can identify the structure and function of your heart and valves and if there is any damage to your heart.
- An exercise stress test shows how well your heart works when you exercise.
4. Include the Requirements in the Blue Book
In order to qualify for Disability benefits, your heart valve disorder must meet the criteria found listed in the SSA’s “Blue Book” under qualifying medical conditions.
In the case of heart valve disorders, the condition is mentioned in Section 4.0 of the Blue Book so that means if you provide the right evidence in your appeal to show you are disabled by your heart valve disorder you may find you are eligible for disability benefits.
5. Undertake an RFC
RFC means "Residual Functional Capacity" and refers to the maximum you can do with the physical/psychological impairment from the liver heart valve disorder. The Social Security Administration (SSA) assesses RFC capacity on a case-by-case basis and only after examination of all medical records has taken place.
The reason for an RFC is to calculate your present limitations which stop you from meeting the physical, sensory, mental and other requirements for going to work. The RFC questionnaire is typically completed by a DDS (Disability Determination Services) physician.
However, if you can get it completed by your own physician instead you may have a better chance of winning your disability appeal.
6. Contact a Disability Lawyer
Disability benefit appeals are never that easy to win but if you seek help from a disability you have a higher chance of winning than if you attend the appeal on your own.
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