A blood clot can form in any blood artery in the body. Small clots that form in the capillaries closest to the skin's surface seldom cause severe health problems and normally require little to no medical intervention; but, those that form in the body's larger and deeper veins can be associated with, or result in, highly serious health problems. Many medical conditions associated with the formation of larger blood clots are qualified for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Strokes, cardiac arrhythmias, and arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis are only a few of the most prevalent illnesses related with the development of blood clots.
Applying for SSD while suffering from blood clots
Your SSD application must be based on the medical condition that is related with, or causes, the formation of your blood clots, rather than the occurrence of the blood clots themselves. This is due to the lack of a dedicated listing for blood clots in the Social Security Administration's (SSA's) Blue Book, which is the manual of potentially disabling medical conditions that Disability Determination Services (DDS) staff uses to review applications for disability benefits under the SSA's eligibility criteria.
Because there are several conditions associated with or caused by blood clots, there are numerous parts of the SSA's Blue Book that may relate to your SSD application. For instance, if your blood clots If your symptoms are the consequence of an underlying heart issue, then section 4.00: Cardiovascular System should be reviewed in cooperation with your medical practitioner and your disability advocate or Social Security disability attorney.
This part of the Blue Book offers a list of specific cardiovascular disorders, many of which are linked to the production of blood clots. In order to be declared qualified for disability payments, your SSD application must match the prescribed requirements for the condition from which you suffer, which include:
- - Recurrent arrhythmias are discussed in Section 4.05.
- - Section 4.06 - Congenital cardiac disease with symptoms
- - Section 4.10 - Aortic or main branch aneurysm from any source
The formation of blood clots in the lungs, or in other parts of the body that later travel to the lungs, is another significant and prevalent ailment. Again, these blood clot occurrences can develop as a result of a variety of medical issues. If your blood clots affect your respiratory system, you should go over the SSA's Blue Book Section 3: Respiratory System with your treating physician and your Social Security advocate or disability attorney.
Listings in this area that may be relevant to an application for SSD benefits regarding blood clots include:
- Chronic pulmonary insufficiency is discussed in Section [3.02].
- Section [3.09] for Cor pulmonale caused by persistent pulmonary vascular hypertension
Even if your medical records and other documentation do not match the criteria for any specific ailment, you may be eligible for benefits if your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. In this case, you have two choices:
- -have documentation proving that your condition is equivalent in severity to another listed condition in the Blue Book
- -meet the criteria for a "medical vocational allowance," which essentially means that even if your ailment does not meet or match any listed condition with the SSA, it is still disabling and prevents you from earning a living.
Medical documentation is required to demonstrate blood clots.
Your application for disability payments must contain thorough medical proof substantiating your claim, regardless of whatever underlying medical condition applies in your situation. The following medical proof should be included in your application:
- - Diagnostic test results demonstrating the source of your blood clots and their impact on you
- - Notes from your medical visits, including notes about physical examinations done
- - Keep track of any treatments you've had, including prescription medicines and other therapy.
- - Detailed statements from your primary care physician describing your symptoms, their frequency and duration, and the severity of their impact on you and your daily physical, mental, and emotional functioning.
- - Documentation demonstrating that your blood clots and other medical issues have not improved despite adherence to prescribed therapies.
Obtaining Assistance with Your Blood Clot SSD Application
When applying for SSD benefits with any diagnosis, you must work with your doctor to ensure that your records are thorough and clearly represent the effects your medical condition has on your daily life and capacity to work. Because blood clots can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, you should consider seeking the assistance of a Social Security advocate or disability attorney with your application to ensure your documentation meets or matches the criteria for a listed medical condition, or substantiates a claim for disability benefits under a medical vocational allowance. Fill out a free evaluation form for your Social Security Disability case to learn more.