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SSDI for Peripheral Artery Disease

SSDI for Peripheral Artery Disease

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits with PAD, you must demonstrate that the disease prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). This means that the disease must affect your ability to perform basic work-related activities like sitting, standing, and walking for a prolonged period.

To determine if you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits with PAD, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider factors like your age, education, work history, and the severity of your symptoms. The SSA will also assess the extent to which your PAD limits your ability to perform work-related tasks.

To apply for Social Security disability benefits with PAD, you can either fill out an application online or visit your local SSA office. You will need to provide medical evidence of your PAD, such as diagnostic test results, imaging studies, and doctor's notes.

It's important to note that the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits with PAD can be lengthy and complex. It's advisable to seek the assistance of a qualified attorney or disability advocate to help you navigate the process and increase your chances of success. 

The Cost of Peripheral Artery Disease

The cost of treating PAD can vary depending on the severity of the condition, the type of treatment needed, and the individual's insurance coverage. In addition to medical bills, there may also be indirect costs associated with the disease, such as lost wages due to disability or time away from work for medical appointments and procedures.

Some common treatments for PAD include lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet modifications, medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications, and surgical procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery to improve blood flow to the affected areas.

It's important to note that early diagnosis and treatment of PAD can help to prevent more serious complications and reduce overall healthcare costs. Individuals with PAD should work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is effective and affordable. They may also want to explore resources for financial assistance, such as patient assistance programs, to help manage the costs of their care.

Is Peripheral Artery Disease a Disability

Certainly, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes peripheral artery disease (PAD) to be a disability. But, you must meet a Blue Book listing in section 4.12 of the Blue Book before you may be accepted for a disability benefit

Peripheral artery disease is defined as any impairment that affects either the arteries (peripheral arterial disease) or the veins (venous insufficiency) in the extremities of the body, particularly the lower extremities. The common outcome is an obstruction of blood flow either from or back to the heart (arterial) (venous).

If you have peripheral vascular disease, you may suffer pain in your calf after a lengthy walk, but it goes away when you relax. You may endure pain while resting in the advanced phases.

Getting Approval For Disability

  1. 1. Resting ankle-brachial index (ABI) of less than or equal to 0.50; or
  2. 2. Absolute systolic pressure in the ankle is less than or equal to 50 mm Hg, or
  3. 3. If unable to do the above tests due to non-compressible arteries, an arterial pressure measurement at the toe is less than or equal to 30 mm Hg.

Additionally, the SSA will evaluate the severity and frequency of your symptoms, such as leg pain, cramping, and weakness, and how they affect your ability to work. If your PAD prevents you from performing any substantial gainful activity, which is defined as work that involves significant physical or mental activities and pays a certain amount, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

It's essential to note that the Blue Book is not the only way to qualify for disability benefits. If you don't meet the Blue Book criteria for PAD, you may still be eligible for benefits through a medical-vocational allowance. The SSA will consider your age, work experience, education, and functional limitations to determine if you can perform any other job in the national economy. 

  • - ABI less than 0.5 at rest.
  • - A 50% reduction in systolic blood pressure at the ankles after exercise that requires at least 10 minutes to recover.
  • - A toe systolic blood pressure of less than 30 mmHG at rest.
  • - A toe or brachial index of less than 0.4 at rest 

  • Gaining Disability Benefits Using an RFC
If you do not match the medical standards outlined in the Blue Book, a residual functional capacity (RFC) form filed by your doctor can assist you in obtaining disability benefits approval. The form should be filled out completely, indicating any limits or restrictions you face as a result of your disease. For example, because of decreased blood flow and severe leg cramps, you may need to be repositioned every hour, affecting your ability to function. 

Due of the increased risk of further thrombosis caused by blood clots in your lower legs as a result of PAD, you may be unable to sit for long periods of time. If PAD has caused you severe pain that requires you to elevate your legs and feet frequently, this should be conveyed explicitly. It should also include how much you can lift, if you can bend, and how your mobility has been hampered, such as your inability to walk long distances or carry products while walking because you use a walker or crutches. 

The RFC is combined with the medical-vocational allowance, which considers your work experience, transferrable skills, education, and age. Disability Determination Services must confirm that you are unable to perform lighter duty work, such as sedentary labour, after deciding that you are unable to return to your customary job. If it is decided that you are unable to work full-time, you will be accepted for your monthly benefits check. 

You Could Earn Upto $3345 Per Month
The disability benefits application procedure can be lengthy and complicated. It necessitates complete medical records, detailed tests that show your blood pressure in your legs and/or toes, scans that reveal proof of your PAD diagnosis, documents that show your ongoing pain and mobility concerns, and how you have responded to treatment strategies. Benefits might be denied twice and then appealed. The final step is a hearing in front of an administrative law judge.

Get Professional Legal Help for Your Disability Application
Are you thinking about applying for Social Security disability benefits but aren't sure how much you'll earn each month? Before you file for disability, use our SSDI Calculator to estimate how much you'll receive from the SSA. You can start the process online at www.SSA.gov or over the phone at 1-800-772-1213 can be a convenient way to initiate your disability benefits application. You can also schedule an in-person appointment at your nearest Social Security office, where you can receive assistance with completing your application.

In addition, working with a disability attorney or advocate can be a valuable resource in navigating the disability benefits application process. They can help you understand the eligibility criteria, gather and organize the necessary documentation, and provide representation during appeals, if necessary. It's important to note that hiring an attorney or advocate may involve fees, which are typically taken as a percentage of your awarded backpay or ongoing benefits.
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Friday, 29 March 2024