Heart Attacks and other Cardiac Conditions can be disabling. Doctor’s treatment and objective tests are essential to support these diagnoses. If your symptoms are severe such as experiencing a heart attack. After receiving treatment, your may have a long term or permanent disability. Problems like weakness, fatigue, pain, respiratory problems, edema and swelling, and dizziness caused by Heart Attacks and other Cardiac conditions can be disabling.
The SSA does offer a fairly simple explanation of what it considers disability. In general, the SSA considers disability “… A medically-determinable physical or mental impairment(s)” that keeps you from engaging in work, a condition that will either result in death or last for at least a year.
The SSA requires that you prove that you are unable to work, or at least work in the same capacity you were before. To prove your disability, you will need to gather evidence, including signed forms from your doctor explaining your condition.
You can apply for disability in the following ways:
Probably the least desirable option is to walk into the Social Security office without an appointment. You may have to wait a long time before you can talk to someone about your application. Calling to apply allows you to speak with a representative. They can help you with the application, and applying online is often the fastest option.
Be prepared for denial of your initial application. The SSA tends to deny claims the first time around. You will need to appeal if you want to get your benefits. The appeal process can take a significant amount of time, over a year in some cases. Prepare yourself for a wait. By demonstrating your disability, there is a chance you will get your benefits, but it will probably not happen quickly.
To improve your chances of getting your benefits and eliminate much of the uncertainty of the application and appeals process, you should work with an attorney experienced in SSI and SSD. A skilled attorney can help ensure that everything is done right the first time. Correctly collecting information minimizes the chances of rejection. Your lawyer will be useful in the appeals process. You may need to speak to a judge and present your case before SSA accepts your claim.
The North Country law firm of Mark Schneider has helped many, many clients through the SSI/SSDI process, and we are here to do the same for you. Please contact us now to get started on the application or appeals process. The sooner we begin, the sooner we can get you your benefits.