Tachycardia, or a faster than average resting heart rate, can be a significant disability for many people in West Virginia. The condition is caused by abnormal activity in the heart and can limit oxygen reaching various areas of the body. Some people with tachycardia may suffer from chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, fatigue or fainting, while others may not notice their symptoms until a doctor discovers them. However, tachycardia can lead in the long term to heart failure, stroke or heart attack, so treatment may be particularly important. In some cases, people experience tachycardia on an episodic basis that can lead to any of the above symptoms.
For those with more serious tachycardia symptoms, the disorder can contribute to or become a disabling condition that prevents them from working. It is one of the cardiovascular impairments discussed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book for evaluating claims for Social Security Disability benefits. These impairments can include any type of condition that interferes with the normal function of the heart or other parts of the circulatory system. However, because tachycardia is episodic and has many different causes, sufferers must show more than a tachycardia diagnosis to obtain approval for disability benefits.
In some cases, they may be able to show through multiple diagnoses and medical records that they directly meet the criteria laid out for cardiac impairment. Others may find that their records of medical treatment back up their claim. Applicants should aim to present at least one full year of medical records, including cardiovascular tests, imaging results like chest X-rays or CT scans, and physical exam results.
Even people with significant cardiac disabilities may face some challenges obtaining approval for SSD benefits on their initial application. A disability lawyer might be able to help claimants navigate the process toward a successful disability hearing.