Hypertension Could Qualify You for Social Security Disability Benefits

 Posted on April 08, 2022 in Social Security Disability

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common heart diseases in America. About one in three U.S. adults, roughly 70 million people, have high blood pressure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For some, the condition is manageable with lifestyle changes and prescription medications, but for others, hypertension can affect their entire lives. In situations like this, Social Security disability benefits may be available, and a qualified disability lawyer can help you determine your eligibility.

Understanding High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure simply means that the pressure of blood in your blood vessels is more than it should be, causing your heart to work overtime. Risks of hypertension include heart disease and stroke, two of the most common causes of death for Americans. Hypertension is often referred to as a “silent killer,” because there are little to no warning signs of the disease. The only way to determine if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

There are several conditions and many lifestyle factors that can contribute to hypertension—the most common being a poor diet and lack of exercise. If a person gets little to no exercise, has a poor diet, is obese, or elderly, he or she is at higher risk of high blood pressure, though the exact cause of the condition cannot be traced to a single factor for most patients. High alcohol consumption (more than one or two drinks a day) and smoking can also contribute to the risk of high blood pressure. Genetics also plays a role.

Seeking SSDI Benefits

If you have been diagnosed with having severely high blood pressure and are unable to work or perform your normal functions at work as a result, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability. Hypertension, according to the Social Security Administration, falls under the category for disability benefits with other cardiovascular diseases: any disorder that affects the proper functioning of the heart or circulatory system. As with any condition, to qualify for Disability benefits with hypertension, you must be able to submit sufficiently detailed reports of medical history and physical examinations. For cardiovascular conditions, a clinical record covering a period of no less than three months of observation and treatment is usually necessary.

Contact a Dallas Disability Attorney

Qualifying for disability payments with high blood pressure can be difficult for a number of reasons. However, if your hypertension is affecting your ability to work, it is a good idea to first seek the counsel of a legal professional before filing a claim. Contact the Dallas SSDI lawyers at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd to learn more about your available options. Call 972-671-9922 for a free, confidential case evaluation with a member of our team today.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/

https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/blood-pressure-causes

https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/4.00-Cardiovascular-Adult.htm