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 that is 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, and causes it to contract.

A normal heart beat is created when these impulses are sent out at regular intervals. This 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 be caused by 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, irregular contractions.

 SYMPTOMS & TESTS TO 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 have you do 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. In an EP study the doctor 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 heartbeat. 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, catheter procedures 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 handheld 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 long enough and paid into the Social Security system. You also need to show that your condition meets the medical listing for benefits. 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, cannot adjust to other work because of their medical condition, and cannot do any other type of work because of their medical condition.

MEETING SSA LISTING 4.05 FOR RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS

In order to win SSD and SSI benefits, your heart condition needs to meet listing 4.05. Meeting the listing is not easy. You must prove that you have every element of the listing and that you have had those 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) electrocardiography, or by other appropriate medically acceptable testing, coincident with the occurrence of syncope or near syncope.

As you can see from the above 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.

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 that you should be paid SSD benefits is on you. This is true even though the SSA collects your medical records. Many times, DDS 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 and we can also use our resources to help you find free or low cost medical care. Remember, you cannot win benefits without evidence and medical records are the evidence that the SSA requires you to submit as proof that you deserve benefits.

RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS AND YOUR RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY

In order to determine if you cannot 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?

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 very difficult.

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. Cannon Disability Law 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 attorneys and staff 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 from DDS
• Help you confirm your attendance at the free SSA doctor exam
• Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• Prepare you to testify at your ALJ hearing
• Represent you at your hearing and question the expert witnesses
• Read about vocational experts
• 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 the application. Once you submit your application online, 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 also 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 any prior application.

CONTACT US IF YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS CASE

To learn about your legal options, contact ​Cannon Disability Law.  Speak to one of our attorneys and our intake staff today. Additionally, you can also contact us online and we will call you. We offer a free review of your case. Also, we can often tell you whether or not you have a good chance of winning benefits.

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 information 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 the SSA office nearest you for your hearing. 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 here 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 experience that you need to win your SSD and SSI benefits for recurrent arrhythmias.  If you need a lawyer at your hearing, then contact us today. Put our legal experience to work for you.

If you want to learn more 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.

In 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.