Feeling The Pressure: Hypertension And Social Security Disability
Posted on: 9 August 2018
The Social Security Administration (SSA) presents people who can no longer work with an opportunity to be paid monthly benefits if they qualify. Getting these benefits is not easy and it can take some time for an approval to come through. One of the main factors to consider is the medical condition that is preventing you from doing your job. Many Americans suffer from hypertension, or high blood pressure, but is this illness considered a disability by the SSA? Read on to find out more.
Deadly Consequences
Hypertension is a preventable disease, at least in most cases. For many, a change in diet and adding in exercise is enough to bring the numbers down to a safe level. However, having high blood pressure that is ignored or that cannot be controlled by lifestyle changes or medication can lead to further consequences and those can include death.
Qualifying for Benefits
When the SSA evaluates your case, they will be looking at not only the doctor's diagnosis of hypertension but the way the symptoms affect your ability to do the tasks required of your job. High blood pressure has plagued people for a long time and there are many ways to treat it, so simply having the disorder is not nearly enough to qualify for Social Security benefits. In most cases, if your hypertension has progressed to the point that it is causing you problems in everyday life and on the job, your disease may have progressed to affect other areas of your body. Heart failure, kidney failure, vision disturbances and problems with memory and concentration are common with advanced hypertension.
Showing Proof of Your Condition
To get covered by Social Security disability, you must be under the care of a doctor and be ready to provide proof via doctor's notes, medical records, and test results. For example, the following may be required:
1. A log of blood pressure readings taken on a daily basis (by you) and records of all office readings as well.
2. Test results that involve any related conditions, such as kidney function tests, bloodwork, vision tests, and more.
3. A list of all treatments tried in an effort to reduce your blood pressure numbers, such as diet, exercise, medications, and the results of those efforts.
4. Doctor's notes that detail your complaints and symptoms connected to your disease.
5. A complete set of medical records from the time of the first visit to the present.
Take Action
It may seem discouraging, but many claimants get denied their benefits. You are, however, entitled to an appeal, and with this appeal you are allowed to have legal support. Speak to a Social Security attorney about your case and get the help you need at your appeal.
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