West Virginia Social Security Blog

Some people in West Virginia may be unaware that it is possible to apply for disability benefits on the basis of high blood pressure. In fact, along with back problems, it is one of the most common reasons people apply for Social Security Disability.

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. It can affect a number of different organs, including eyes, brain, kidneys and heart. It is important to understand that when a disability claim is evaluated by the Social Security Administration, it is less the condition itself that is evaluated than the limitations created by the condition. While having high blood pressure is not necessarily in and of itself an illness, it is the effect on the rest of the body that leads to its classification as a type of disability.

Many West Virginia workers who have applied for and are awaiting a Social Security disability insurance approval letter struggle with difficult circumstances. Other than trying to cope with the debilitating effects of the physical or mental condition underlying their claim for disability, they often have had to cut back on the number of hours worked or perhaps stopped working altogether. The financial strain exacerbates an already stressful situation, and they check the mailbox every day waiting for the good news. For some, the wait is longer than for others.

The first issue a disability claimant needs to realize is that the SSDI process is a complex procedure where denials are common with an appeal process at every level of denial. If a claimant wins approval on the initial application or at the first level of appeal, called reconsideration, the approval letter can be received within three months. Unfortunately, the denial percentage initially is regularly over 50% with an even greater rejection percentage on reconsideration. Approval rates are generally considerably higher at the next level of appeal, the disability hearing.

Some medical diagnoses can change your life. When you learn the details of your condition, you realize you will never be the same. The illness may promise to consume your attention, your energy and your money as you strive to control the symptoms. You may be unable to do many of the things you now enjoy. You may no longer be able to work.

This means you will not only have medical bills to pay, but you will also have no income to help you meet those obligations. You can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration, but the process often takes months for approval and additional months before you begin receiving your benefits. If the SSA denies your initial claim, you can expect an even longer delay while you appeal. However, you may qualify for a fast-track decision.

Individuals in West Virginia or any other state may be entitled to disability benefits if they have facet arthritis. An application for benefits may be approved if a person can show that this condition results in pain, a loss of motor function or other health issues that make it difficult to work. A disability examiner will look at the evidence provided with an application when making his or her decision.

Ideally, an applicant will provide a statement from a doctor detailing how the condition impacts his or her ability to work. It may also be a good idea to provide information such as reports from a physical therapist or the results of lab or other tests. An examiner may also look at a person's work or academic record to determine if an individual would be able to go back to a previous job.