IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE A DISABILITY?
If you have high blood pressure—also called hypertension—you’re not alone. Hypertension is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States. Almost 50% of adults in the United States have high blood pressure. This amounts to about 120 million people who deal with high blood pressure.
In 2022, high blood pressure was a primary or contributing cause of 685,875 deaths in the United States. High blood pressure is a common medical condition in the southern United States. However, it is hard to know the true effect of hypertension in each state, because about 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure are unaware of it. Therefore, they would not report having it. Additionally, a higher percentage of men (50%) have high blood pressure than women (44%).
Many people are able to manage their blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes. However, others develop serious complications that interfere with their ability to work. If your condition keeps you from working for over one year, then you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
THERE ARE TWO FORMS OF SSD BENEFITS
If you have high blood pressure that keeps you from working, then there are two benefits for which you can file an application: Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits. You can file an application on the Social Security’s website. Below, you can find an explanation as to each type of benefit:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
SSDI benefits are for those who have worked and can no longer work at any job due to a medical condition. The amount of money you will receive from SSDI benefits every month is based on how much Social Security tax you have paid during your work history.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have enough “work credits.” A work credit is an amount of taxable income. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year. The amount of work credits you need will depend on how old you are when you apply. If you haven’t earned enough work credits for your age at the time you apply, then you can only file for Supplemental Security Income benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
SSI is a needs based benefit. It is for those people with little to no income, such as children and the elderly. Anyone who makes greater than a certain income per month cannot receive SSI benefits. The SSA counts the income of those in your house, not just your income and assets. The same applies if you have significant assets. If you have a boat, a cabin, and a motorcycle, you don’t qualify for SSI.
If you have a spouse who earns more than $5000 a month, for example, then that income will also prevent you from getting SSI benefits. You cannot be paid SSI benefits, no matter how severe your medical condition, if you do not meet the income and asset rules for SSI.
WHAT IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pushing through your arteries is consistently too strong. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen from your heart to the rest of your body. When blood pressure remains elevated over time, it can cause damage to your heart, kidneys, and brain.
Doctors measure blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), using two numbers:
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Systolic pressure (the top number): This measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
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Diastolic pressure (the bottom number): This measures the pressure between heartbeats.
An ideal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg or lower. Readings above that may indicate high blood pressure. For example, a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher is considered Stage 2 hypertension, which is a serious form of the condition.
TYPES OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
There are two main types of high blood pressure:
Primary Hypertension
Primary hypertension is also known as essential hypertension. This is the most common type of high blood pressure. It usually develops slowly over time and is often linked to aging and obesity. It also can be due to stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Most people who have high blood pressure fall into this category.
Secondary Hypertension
This type of hypertension is caused by another medical condition or by medications that affect blood pressure. Common causes include kidney disease, thyroid problems, sleep apnea, or certain prescription drugs. In many cases, secondary hypertension improves once the underlying condition is treated or you stop taking medication.
SYMPTOMS OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why it’s sometimes called the “silent killer.” Most people don’t know they have it until it’s found during a routine doctor visit.
However, when blood pressure gets very high, it can cause symptoms like headaches, blurry vision, chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Some people may also feel tired or confused.
If these symptoms appear suddenly, it could be a sign of a serious problem, and medical attention should be sought right away. You should seek medical attention because high blood pressure can damage other organs, such as your heart, brain, kidneys, or eyes.
IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE A DISABILITY?
If your medical records show that you have damage from your high blood pressure, then you may get SSD benefits. You can receive SSD benefits if your medical conditions meet a listing under step three of the review process. Otherwise, you can still qualify for benefits if you have limitations that greatly reduce or eliminate the types of jobs you can perform.
IS ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION A DISABILITY?
Orthostatic hypotension, also known as postural hypotension, isn’t caused by high blood pressure. Instead, it is a form of low blood pressure that occurs when you get up after being seated or lying down. It causes you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Occasional or mild orthostatic hypotension is easily treated and unlikely to be disabling. However, if you have chronic problems with low blood pressure as a result of a heart condition or thyroid disorder, then you may qualify for benefits due to the underlying disease.
When you file for benefits, the SSA will request medical records from your doctors. Claims workers will review your charts to see if your high blood pressure is currently under control. They will determine if you have organ damage or other complications as a result of HBP. Based on your progress notes and lab test results, they will decide whether to award benefits using the SSA’s five step evaluation process.
MEETING A LISTING FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
When deciding your claim, the SSA will first determine whether your medical records show you meet the requirements of a listing in the Blue Book. The Blue Book is a “list of impairments.” It contains around 100 disorders that the SSA considers severe enough to qualify for benefits.
High blood pressure isn’t on the list by itself. So, you won’t be able to get SSDI or SSI benefits simply by having a blood pressure. Instead, the SSA will look to see whether you have complications from high blood pressure that damages other parts of your body. If this damage is severe enough to meet a listing, then you will win benefits.
For example, some people with high blood pressure have arterial damage that affects the lungs. This can reduce the amount of oxygen received by the heart and eventually lead to heart failure. They may qualify for SSD benefits under listing 3.09 for chronic pulmonary hypertension.
People who have a stroke as a result of chronic high blood pressure may meet listing 11.04 for vascular insult to the brain. If you have vision loss caused by high blood pressure, then you may meet listing 2.03.
The SSA will evaluate your claim based on the criteria for your affected body systems. The most commonly affected body systems and their listings are for the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes.
WINNING BENEFITS WITH YOUR RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY
Even if you don’t meet a listing—because of the strict criteria, few people do—you can still win benefits if you have a residual functional capacity (RFC) that rules out all jobs. Your RFC is the definition of the most that you can do, physically and mentally, in a work environment.
Social Security determines your RFC by reading your medical evidence, doctors’ opinions, and your daily activities. The SSA considers your ability to perform such tasks as sitting, standing, and walking. They look at your ability to interact with the public and other workers. They also look at your ability to use your hands and arms. Mentally, they look at your ability to follow work instructions and concentrate.
For example, somebody who is physically able to lift 20 pounds and be on their feet for 6 hours out of an 8 hour workday will have an RFC that restricts them to “light” work. This means they can still do many retail and service industry jobs. But somebody who can’t even lift 10 pounds or sit at a desk for an entire day will have an RFC that rules out all work. They should qualify for SSD benefits.
MEDICAL RECORDS PROVE DISABILITY FROM HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Your medical records are the core of your SSD application. The SSA won’t award you benefits without evidence of a severe medical condition. Ideally, you’ll have a good relationship with your treating doctor who can provide the SSA with at least one year of progress notes. Those records need to contain a diagnosis of high blood pressure backed by testing. Some examples of medical records that can help support your claim are:
- regular blood pressure readings above 140/90
- blood test results showing your oxygen levels
- a list of medications and any side effects from them
- X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans showing organ damage caused by high blood pressure
- a TILT table test measuring how your blood pressure responds to positional changes
- exercise tests showing below average lung capacity, and
- psychological tests that show mental limitations after a stroke.
If you don’t have a regular doctor or the SSA thinks it needs more testing before deciding your claim, then the SSA may send you to a free visit with one of their doctors. The SSA doctor will only provide a snapshot of your health on the day of the exam. Therefore, you will need to establish care with a primary care doctor. You will also need regular, ongoing visits with your doctor. We recommend you visit your doctor monthly.
WHY ARE SSD CLAIMS DENIED?
There are several reasons why SSD claims for high blood pressure are denied. One of the most common is not enough medical evidence. If your records do not clearly show how your condition limits your ability to work, then the SSA may conclude you can still perform some type of job. Another reason they deny cases is failing to follow your treatment plan. If you skip doctor appointments or refuse care, then the SSA may say that you are not complaint with treatment.
Work activity can also affect your ability to qualify for benefits. If you are still working and you earn greater than $1620 per month, then the SSA will not consider you disabled. It’s important to understand the rules around Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and how even part time work can impact your case.
Another common issue is missing deadlines. The SSA review process is full of deadlines. Missing a deadline to appeal can mean starting your claim over again from scratch. This is one reason it is so important to have legal help. We ensure all your paperwork is sent in on time.
Sometimes, the SSA denies claims because they believe your condition is not going to last longer than 12 months. To qualify for benefits, your medical condition must be severe and last longer than one year. If your medical records suggest your symptoms are getting better or that you’ll recover quickly, then the SSA may deny your benefits. Working with our legal team can help you stay on top of these requirements and avoid costly mistakes.
HIRE OUR SSD LAW FIRM HELPS YOU WIN SSDI BENEFITS
If you’re struggling with high blood pressure and believe you can no longer work, the first step is to talk to your doctor. Make sure your doctor has written down all of your symptoms. Also, make sure you are following through with treatment. Keep a record of your daily challenges, including how your condition affects your routine.
Next, contact our legal team. We offer a free review of your SSD case. Additionally, we will evaluate your case to determine the best path forward. Whether you are just starting your application or need to appeal a denial, we are here to help. We don’t get paid unless you win SSD benefits, so there’s no risk in calling us.
You don’t have to fight the SSA alone. Let us put our legal experience to work for you. We can help you secure the benefits you need to move forward with your life. We are the best SSD law firm you can hire. Our team has won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI cases, many of those for people with spinal disease.
If damage from high blood pressure has made it impossible for you to work, then you deserve help. Our legal team is ready to fight for your Social Security Disability benefits. We’ve helped thousands of clients obtain the financial support they need. Call us today for a free review of your SSDI benefits. We will help you every step of the way.
