Ischemic Heart Disease Disability – You may Qualify
Author Attorney Greg Reed:
Updated: 10/11/2024
Can I get disability benefits if I am suffering from the effects of Ischemic Heart Disease?
First you must meet the SSA’s financial requirement:
You must have worked long enough, recently enough, and not made over a predetermined level of income.
Second you must meet the medical requirements:
The SSA recognizes ischemic heart disease in its list of impairments under Section 4.04.
To satisfy the requirements of the listing applicants must exhibit one or more specific symptoms, including angina pectoris, anginal equivalents, variant angina, or silent ischemia. Additionally, they must provide evidence of one of the following: an abnormal stress test indicating a workload of 5 METS or less, three ischemic episodes requiring revascularization within a year, or imaging results showing significant narrowing of a coronary artery.
Social Security seeks comprehensive clinical records that demonstrate the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily activities
If you cannot meet the listing requirements you may still qualify if your functional limitations prevent you from doing any job.
Can I get disability benefits if I am suffering from the effects of ischemic heart disease?
Ischemic heart disease is a condition characterized by a reduction of blood flow to the heart, preventing the heart from receiving enough oxygen. This diminished blood flow is primarily due to the accumulation of plaque within the coronary arteries. The reduced blood supply not only impacts the heart but also affects the oxygen delivery to other essential organs, including the brain, kidneys, and liver and can lead to irregular heart rhythms, myocardial infarction, or even heart failure.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.
Men are generally at a greater risk than women, but women’s risk increases after menopause. Women over the age of 35 who take oral contraceptives and smoke are considered to be at high risk.
How do I qualify for Social Security Disability Income if I have ischemic heart disease?
The Social Security Administration includes ischemic heart disease as an impairment in its Blue Book specifically under Section 4.04. In order to qualify for benefits you must meet both the financial and medical requirements set forth by the SSA.
Financial Requirements:
In order to be approved for benefits you must have a disability that has lasted, or is expected to last 12 months and you must have worked in a job where you paid Social Security taxes long enough and recently enough.
Additionally, you must not earn more than Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which is $1,620 per month in 2025 for nonblind applicants and $2,700 per month for blind applicants.
Medical Requirements:
If you have ischemic heart disease, there are basically two ways you can qualify for SSDI: 1) you must meet the requirements of the impairment listed in the Blue Book; or 2) you can prove that your heart condition has reduced your functional capacity so severely that you are unable to hold a job.
Social Security will consider the evidence in your medical records to evaluate your disability. In situations where there is little or no medical documentation, or the medical evidence covers only a short period of time, Social Security may order a consultative exam, a physical exam conducted by a physician contracted by Social Security.
To meet the requirements of Section 4.04 you must have one of the following symptoms:
- Angina pectoris – severe pain in the chest caused by inadequate blood flow often spreading to the shoulders, arms and neck.
- Anginal equivalent – shortness of breath on exertion, but no complaints of chest pain.
- Variant angina – chest pain at rest due to spasms of coronary artery.
- Silent ischemia – the heart doesn’t receive enough blood flow, but the person doesn’t have symptoms and requires a diagnostic test to detect.
In addition to the above symptoms, Social Security also requires you to show proof of one of the following:
- An abnormal stress test at workload equal to 5 METS or less. MET is a measurement of the metabolic equivalent of energy used by a person at rest and during activity. For example, MET 1 is the amount of energy used when a person is at rest. For more specific information on this requirement, see https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/4.00-Cardiovascular-Adult.htm#4_04
- Three ischemic episodes (temporary periods of symptoms) within 12 consecutive months. Each episode must require revascularization, a procedure that restores blood flow in blocked arteries or veins, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.
- Abnormal imaging results from an angiography or other imaging showing 50% – 70% of narrowing of a coronary artery that has not been bypassed.
Social Security will be looking for a clinical record that shows your symptoms are so severe they limit your ability to engage in daily activities.
It will be very difficult to meet the requirements of this listing if you haven’t been receiving prescribed treatment or medication. Your medical records should include the following:
- Records of three months treatment
- Complete medical history
- Detailed physical exam reports
- Laboratory test results
- Electrocardiograph or electrocardiogram
- Exercise tolerance tests
- Any prescribed treatments you received and your responses to those treatments
- Medications and side effects
Discuss all your symptoms with your doctor and make sure they are included in your doctor’s statement; for example, chest pain that interferes with your concentration or if you have difficulty walking certain distances without shortness of breath.
Medications for heart disease can cause dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, lethargy and memory loss, so be sure to mention those side effects.
If your disability does not satisfy the listing requirements for ischemic heart disease set by Social Security, you may still qualify for disability benefits by demonstrating that your medical condition has significantly impaired your functional capacity, rendering you unable to perform your job.
Social Security will evaluate your medical records and the opinions of your healthcare providers, as well as conduct a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment to ascertain whether you can continue in your last job or any job.
This evaluation will consider factors such as your ability to drive, your age, and your educational background. The opinions of your physicians are essential for securing approval for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
“Once Social Security determines the limitations caused by your condition, they will employ a vocational expert to assess whether a person with these limitations is employable. Most vocational experts will find a person to be unemployable if their condition or the treatment rendered for the condition causes the person to regularly be absent two or more days a month or be “off-task” 15% or more of the workday.”
Disability applicants who are older than 50 or 55 often fall under a grid rule, which means they don’t have to learn a new job.
If you can’t go back to your old job and you don’t have to learn a new one, Social Security will likely grant you disability benefits.
You may also be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if you have another impairment.
Applicants with heart disease often suffer from other medical conditions such as kidney disease. One disorder alone may not meet the requirements of a Social Security impairment listing, but if you have more than one medical condition, Social Security must consider how those combined health issues limit your ability to hold a job and perform routine tasks.
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Disability Benefits FAQs
Social Security has some basic financial requirements.
Before you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits, you must satisfy some basic financial requirements. You must: 1) have a disability that has lasted or is expected to last 12 months; and 2) you must have worked in a job where you paid Social Security taxes long enough and recently enough; and 3) you must not earn more than Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which is $1,620 per month in 2025 for nonblind applicants and $2,700 per month for blind applicants.
Basic SSDI Requirements –>
You may also be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if you have another medical condition.
One disorder alone may not meet the criteria of an impairment as stated in Social Security’s Blue Book, but if you have more than one medical condition, Social Security must consider how those health issues combined limit your ability to hold a job and perform necessary daily tasks.
Disability for Multiple Impairments –>
If you are 55 or older or have another medical condition you may get approval.
Applicants who are 55 or older often fall under a grid rule, which means they are not expected to learn a new job.
Disability for those over 55 –>
You may also be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if you have another medical condition.
One disorder alone may not meet the criteria of an impairment as stated in Social Security’s Blue Book, but if you have more than one medical condition, Social Security must consider how those health issues combined limit your ability to hold a job and perform necessary daily tasks.
Disability for Multiple Impairments –>
Should you file a claim?
If you believe that you meet Social Security’s medical and financial requirements, you should apply for benefits. If you are still unsure or would like to talk to someone, please contact us at 512-454-4000. We are always ready to take your call and discuss your options with you free of charge. We are happy to help folks just like you find the best solution for their personal situation.
How do I file for Social Security Disability benefits?
Once you have decided to file a claim, you can take the first step and apply for Social Security Disability benefits in person at your local Social Security Administration office, online, or over the phone.
How to Apply for SSDI –>
Appealing denied benefits
Most who file are denied initially. That doesn’t mean you won’t qualify; you just need to file an appeal.
There are four steps to the Social Security appeal process.
SSDI Appeals Process –>
Do I need a disability attorney for SSDI?
You may certainly file a claim on your own, but evidence shows that your chances for approval are increased significantly if you have legal representation.
Do I need an SSDI attorney–>
What if I don’t qualify for SSDI?
If you haven’t worked long enough to earn enough work credits, or if you earn too much income, you may be eligible for disability benefits through another Social Security program, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or from a long-term disability insurance plan through your employer or a privately purchased policy.
What is Supplemental Security Income or SSI?–>
I have long-term disability insurance – should I file a claim?
Absolutely – you should file a claim as soon as you become disabled.
LTD Disability Appeals Process–>
Disability benefits are an important source of income for those who are unable to work. If you are not able to work due to accident or illness, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability or Long Term Disability benefits. If you have applied for benefits and been denied, contact the attorneys at Bemis, Roach and Reed for a free consultation. Call 512-454-4000 and get help NOW.
Author: Attorney Greg Reed has been practicing law for 29 years. He is Superlawyers rated by Thomson Reuters and is Top AV Preeminent® and Client Champion Gold rated by Martindale Hubbell. Through his extensive litigation Mr. Reed obtained board certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Greg is admitted to practice in the United States District Court – all Texas Districts and the United States Court of Appeals-Fifth Circuit. Mr. Reed is a member of the Travis County Bar Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, past Director of the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association, and an Associate member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Mr. Reed and all the members of Bemis, Roach & Reed have been active participants in the Travis County Lawyer referral service.
