SSD BENEFITS FOR RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS
RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS: HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE HEART?
Recurrent arrhythmias is a condition that affects the normal beating of the heart. The heart has a natural rhythm created by the sinoatrial node or the SA node. This rhythm is created by a group of cells in the right atrium of the heart called pacemaker cells. These cells send an electrical impulse that travels down through the AV node, which is located in between the right and left atrium. The electrical impulses make your heart contract.
A normal heart beat occurs when these impulses are sent out at regular intervals. Your heart rate can be seen on an EKG. If there are too many impulses sent out in one direction or too few in another direction, this may disrupt your heart rhythm and lead to arrhythmia.
If you have an arrhythmia, then your heart may beat slower or faster than a normal heart rate. Recurrent arrhythmias can occur due to many medical conditions. For example, the causes include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart muscle damage, or injury from a heart attack. Each year 250,000 deaths are directly related to arrhythmias.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ARRHYTHMIAS?
Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that are dangerous to your health. They can be caused by a heart condition or they can occur for no apparent reason.
There are three main types of arrhythmias:
1) Supraventricular Arrhythmias: These arrhythmias start in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria).
2) Ventricular Arrhythmias: These arrhythmias come from the lower chambers of the heart.
3) Atrial Fibrillation: This is a type of supraventricular tachycardia that starts in the upper chambers of the heart and causes rapid contractions.
SYMPTOMS & TESTS THAT DIAGNOSE RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIA
The symptoms of this condition are not the same for every person. For example, an arrhythmia may be “silent” and not cause any symptoms. A doctor can find an irregular heartbeat during an exam by taking your pulse, listening to your heart, or performing tests. If symptoms do occur, then they may include:
- Heart palpitations
- Pounding in your chest
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Weakness or fatigue
A doctor will perform a physical exam to determine if you have this condition. They may also order tests to help identify heart arrhythmias. The tests include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). During an EKG, electrodes are attached to your chest that can detect the electrical activity in your heart.
- Holter monitor. This test uses a monitor that you wear for a number of days and it records your heart’s rate during the day and night.
- Event recorder. This is another EKG device that detects arrhythmias. When you feel an irregular heart beat, then you press a button to record it.
- Echocardiogram. In this test, a device is placed on your chest and using sound waves it produces images of your heart.
- Implantable loop recorder. An event recorder can be placed under your skin in your chest to record the electrical activity of your heart.
If your doctor can’t find your arrhythmia using the above tests, then she may try tests that trigger the arrhythmia. For example, your doctor might order a stress test or a tilt table test. Finally, there is a test known as electrophysiological testing and mapping which is also called an EP study. An EP study uses electrodes to map the electrical impulses in your heart. The purpose of this test is to find the location of the arrhythmia.
TREATMENT FOR RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS
Treatment for heart arrhythmias depends on whether you have a fast or slow heart rhythm. Some heart arrhythmias do not need treatment. However, your doctor may recommend regular doctor visits to monitor your condition.
Medical treatment for your heart condition is only needed if your abnormal heartbeat is causing symptoms. Or, you need treatment if the condition is putting you at risk of more serious heart problems. The treatments for heart arrhythmias include medications, cardioversion, or heart surgery.
Cardioversion is a procedure your doctor uses to put your heart back into a normal rhythm. Doctors use a device or medicine to change your heart rhythm. A cardioversion can save your life if you’re having a ventricular arrhythmia that can lead to cardiac arrest. A defibrillator sends a shock to your heart through paddles. You may have seen this procedure on TV. Additionally, your doctor can also install a pacemaker into your chest which sends a shock to your heart whenever your heart is not in rhythm.
HOW DOES THE SSA DEFINE DISABILITY IF YOU HAVE RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as being unable to perform substantial gainful activity (work) by reason of a physical or mental condition which can be expected to result in death. Or, has lasted or can be expected to last for a period of not less than 12 months.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have worked and paid taxes for five out of the last 10 years. You also need to show that your condition meets the medical listing for benefits. You can meet the listing using step three of the SSD review process. Likewise, you must also show that your medical condition and will last at least one year or result in death.
Additionally, a person wins benefits if they cannot do their past work and cannot do any other type of work because of their medical condition. Learn how to win your benefits by proving you can’t work under step four of the SSD review process.
MEETING SSA LISTING 4.05 FOR RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS
In order to win SSDI and SSI benefits, your heart condition needs to meet Listing 4.05. Meeting the listing is not easy. You must prove every element of the listing. Next, you must show you have had symptoms for over one year. Listing 4.05 is as follows:
Listing 4.05 – Recurrent arrhythmias not related to reversible causes, such as electrolyte abnormalities or digitalis glycoside or antiarrhythmic drug toxicity, resulting in uncontrolled, recurrent episodes of cardiac syncope or near syncope, despite treatment, and documented by resting or ambulatory (Holter) monitor, or by other appropriate medically acceptable testing, coincident with the occurrence of syncope or near syncope.
As you can see from the listing, you will need to have a Holter monitor test or a similar testing to prove that you have an abnormal heart rhythm. Additionally, the listing requires your heart arrhythmia to be uncontrolled and not related to medications. Obviously, if an abnormal heart condition is caused by medications, then it will be temporary and won’t meet the listing. You cannot win benefits for temporary conditions.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL RECORDS
When you first apply for benefits, you should include a copy of your medical records with your application. The burden of proving you should be paid SSD benefits is on you. This is true even though the SSA collects your medical records.
Many times, the SSA does not collect all of your records. Instead, they may only collect records that go back to the time that you claim you could no longer work. Your heart condition may have a much longer history. Therefore, it is important to collect all of your records.
If you do not have medical evidence of your condition, then the SSA will deny your claim. Medical records for recurrent arrhythmias can be difficult to obtain. We have lists of free and low cost medical clinics where you can go and get treatment.
For example, we have a list of free and low cost health resources in Utah and we have a similar free and low cost health resources list for Nevada. We also have a list of free and low cost health resources in Idaho and a list of free and lost health services in California.
If you need help getting your records or finding a doctor, then contact our law firm. We are experts in getting medical records. Also, you can use our resources to help you find free or low cost medical care. Remember, you cannot win benefits without evidence. Medical records are the evidence the SSA requires you to submit as proof that you deserve benefits.
RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS AND YOUR RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY
To determine whether or not you can work, the SSA will assess your physical and mental limits. This is your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). Your RFC is what you can do during an 8 hour work day despite your heart condition.
Your RFC includes both your physical and mental limits. In terms of physical ability, the SSA tries to define your ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift, during the course of an 8 hour workday. Likewise, the SSA will include your ability to carry, pull, and push. Find out how the SSA defines work.
Your RFC also includes your mental symptoms. The SSA looks at whether your recurrent arrhythmias creates problems in your ability to focus. They also look at whether your heart problems are causing mental issues. For example, are you also having problems with anxiety or your mood? Learn about anxiety disorder.
They also look at how your mental symptoms affect your ability to work. Can get along with other people? For example, are you able to respond to criticism from your boss or accept instructions. Additionally, can you handle stress and pressure in a work setting? Mental issues, in addition to your heart problem, can make working a 40 hour work week impossible.
HOW DOES THE SSA FIGURE OUT YOUR RFC WHEN YOU HAVE RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS?
In order to determine your RFC, the SSA first looks to the medical evidence in your case. That is why it is so important for the SSA to have all of your medical evidence. It is your “burden” or responsibility to provide all of your medical evidence to the SSA. Even though the SSA will try to collect your records, it is up to you to make sure they have everything.
Typically, hiring a lawyer to help you obtain your medical evidence is a wise choice. Learn how to obtain your medical evidence for free. If you do not have enough medical evidence for the SSA to make a decision, then they will arrange for you to have an SSA doctor exam. The SSA might order a doctor to assess your heart condition. Find out about the SSA doctor exam.
WHAT WE DO TO HELP YOU WIN SSD BENEFITS FOR RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS
You do not need to try to win SSDI and SSI benefits by yourself. Our lawyers and staff can help file your SSD application. Also, we can help you appeal every SSA denial. That way, you can focus on your health. For example, our firm can:
- Send you the paperwork you need to become our client
- Help you file your application for SSDI and SSI benefits
- Inform the SSA they should pay you benefits under the Compassionate Allowance Rules
- Request an appeal if you receive an initial denial
- Help you confirm your attendance at the free SSA doctor exam
- Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge
- Prepare you to testify at your ALJ hearing
- Represent you at your hearing and question the expert witnesses
- Read about job expert testimony
- Learn about medical expert testimony
- Request review of an SSA decision with the Appeals Council
- Request review of an Appeals Council denial in Federal Court
If you file your application for benefits online at Social Security’s website, then you have 6 months to complete it. Once you submit your application, the SSA sends you an application summary in the mail. You must sign it and mail it back.
Additionally, once you receive a denial, you have 60 days to file an appeal. You must meet the time limit set by the SSA. If you do not, then you will have to start the process over again. That means you will lose any benefits you could receive on a prior application.
CONTACT US FOR HELP WITH YOUR RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS CASE
To learn about your legal options, contact
Our attorneys practice in Utah, California, and Nevada. We also represent clients in Idaho, Colorado and other states. Find out about Utah SSD benefits. Learn about Nevada SSD benefits. We have helped many clients file their SSDI application for recurrent arrhythmias and other heart conditions. We can help you too.
Our main office is in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, there are also hearing offices in Las Vegas, Boise, and Oakland. Learn information about California SSD and SSI benefits. Our office represents clients in court in all of these places.
We are also familiar with the Social Security laws where you live. Additionally, understanding the medical evidence that the judge needs to see will help you win your case. It also helps us present the best arguments in court. If we accept your case, we will drive or fly (at no cost to you) to your hearing location. You can also have a hearing by phone or over video conference. Therefore, we can help you no matter where you live. If you need to apply for SSD benefits, then contact us.
WE CAN HELP YOU WIN YOUR SSD BENEFITS
You also need an attorney with experience to represent you in court. Find out what medical evidence you need to submit to win your SSD hearing.
At our law firm, we have won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI cases. We have the legal experience you need to win your SSDI and SSI benefits for recurrent arrhythmias. If you need a lawyer to help you with your SSA hearing, then contact us today. Put our legal experience to work for you.
If you want to learn about the lawyers and staff at our law firm, then review our About Us page. For example, Andria Summers can help you prepare for your hearing. She has also won thousands of Social Security cases. Dianna Cannon has been helping her clients win benefit for over thirty years. Brett Bunkall also has years of legal experience helping people obtain their SSI and SSDI benefits.
Over the past 30 years, we have won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI cases for our clients. Our lawyers and staff can help you apply for SSD benefits. Likewise, if you need an appeal, we can help you do that too. You can learn about SSA’s appeal forms. Call us for free today. We will help you win SSDI and SSI benefits for arrhythmias.
In the past 30 years, we have won over $100 million in SSDI and SSI benefits for our clients. If you need our help, then call us. We are experts at what we do. Hire us to be your Social Security legal team.
