Do Heart Problems Qualify for Social Security Disability?

Getting Social Security disability benefits for heart conditions can be complex, but it’s absolutely possible when you have the right medical evidence and legal representation. Heart problems rank among the most common reasons people file for disability benefits, affecting millions of Americans who can no longer maintain steady work due to cardiovascular limitations.

The Keener Law Firm successfully helped countless clients with heart conditions get approved for the disability benefits they deserve. We understand exactly what Social Security looks for in heart-related disability claims and how to present your case to achieve maximum success.

Understanding Heart Conditions in Disability Claims

Social Security recognizes a wide range of heart conditions that can prevent you from working. The most common cardiovascular impairments include:

• Chronic Heart Failure – When your heart cannot pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention that limits your daily activities.
• Ischemic Heart Disease – Also known as coronary artery disease, this occurs when blocked arteries reduce blood flow to your heart muscle, causing chest pain, weakness, and exercise intolerance.
• Arrhythmias – Irregular heartbeats that can cause fainting, dizziness, or near-fainting episodes that make it unsafe to work in most environments.
• Congenital Heart Disease – Birth defects affecting heart structure that persist into adulthood and limit your functional capacity.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease – Poor circulation in your legs that causes severe pain when walking, limiting your mobility and stamina.

Medical Evidence Requirements for Heart Disability Claims

Social Security requires extensive medical documentation to prove your heart condition prevents you from working. The evidence supporting your claim must demonstrate not only the existence of a recognized heart condition, but also that your impairment is severe enough to prevent you from earning a threshold amount of income from working for at least 12 months.

Among the evidence needed to present a strong disability claim based on heart-related problems are the following:

• Detailed Medical Records covering at least three months of treatment showing your symptoms, diagnosis, and response to prescribed medications or procedures.
• Objective Testing Results including electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, stress tests, cardiac catheterization reports, and imaging studies that demonstrate the severity of your condition.
• Exercise Tolerance Testing may be required to measure your functional capacity, unless your doctor determines such testing would be medically risky for your individual condition.
• Treatment Documentation showing you’re following prescribed treatment plans, including medications, dietary restrictions, activity limitations, and any surgical interventions.

The Keener Law Firm works closely with your physicians to make sure they properly documented all necessary medical evidence that we will present to Social Security. Our experienced team knows precisely which tests and documentation carry the most weight in disability determinations.

How Social Security Evaluates Heart Conditions

Social Security uses a comprehensive evaluation process called the “Blue Book” or Listing of Impairments to assess cardiovascular conditions. To meet a listing, your condition must satisfy specific medical criteria:

• Listing 4.02 – Chronic Heart Failure requires evidence of systolic or diastolic failure with specific measurements, plus either inability to perform low-level exercise (5 METs or less) or three hospitalizations within 12 months for heart failure episodes.
• Listing 4.04 – Ischemic Heart Disease requires documented coronary artery disease with either positive stress test results showing ischemia at low exercise levels or multiple heart procedures within a 12-month period.
• Listing 4.05 – Recurrent Arrhythmias requires documented irregular heart rhythms causing repeated fainting or near-fainting episodes despite treatment.

Even if your condition doesn’t meet these exact criteria, you may still receive approval through a “medical vocational allowance” if your heart problems combined with your age, education, and work history prevent you from performing any substantial gainful activity.

The Keener Law Firm has extensive experience helping clients whose conditions don’t perfectly match the listings but still prevent them from working. We know how to build compelling cases that demonstrate your total functional limitations.

Common Challenges in Heart Disability Claims

In the past, we’ve learned that several factors can make heart disability claims more challenging:

• Fluctuating Symptoms – Heart conditions often have good days and bad days, which can make it difficult to demonstrate consistent disability. Social Security may focus on your better days rather than your overall functional limitations.
• Treatment Response Expectations – Social Security expects you to follow all prescribed treatments. Failure to take medications or attend appointments can result in your claim being denied, even if you have valid reasons for non-compliance. Persistent failure to follow medical advice or treatment plans can be viewed as an indication that your condition is not as severe as claimed.
• Functional Capacity Assessments – Social Security may require you to undergo consultative examinations or stress testing to evaluate your exercise tolerance and functional capacity.
• Age and Work History Considerations – Younger claimants face stricter standards, as Social Security assumes they can retrain for different types of work despite their heart conditions.

Timing Your Disability Application

Deciding when it is best for you to apply for disability benefits depends on several factors:

• Recent Heart Attack or Surgery – If you’ve had a heart attack or heart surgery, Social Security will usually wait three months to see how well you recover before determining if you’re disabled.
• Progressive Conditions – If your heart condition is worsening despite treatment, don’t wait until you’re completely incapacitated to file your claim.
• Work Attempts – You can work while your application is pending, but earning above substantial gainful activity levels may affect your claim. In 2025, earning more than $1,620 per month is above the level at which the SSA will deem someone disabled. Blind applicants can earn up to $2,700 per month.

The sooner you file, the sooner your potential benefits can begin. The Keener Law Firm can help you determine the optimal timing for your application based on your specific medical circumstances and treatment timeline.

The Appeals Process for Heart Disability Claims

Unfortunately, many heart disability claims are initially denied, often due to insufficient medical evidence or a misunderstanding of functional limitations. Don’t let an initial denial discourage you. Appealing your denial provides several opportunities to strengthen your case:

• Requesting Reconsideration allows you to submit additional medical evidence and clarify any misunderstandings about your condition’s severity.
• Appealing for an Administrative Law Judge Hearing gives you the opportunity to testify about your limitations and have your attorney present evidence directly to a judge.
• The Appeals Council Review provides another level of review if the judge’s decision was unfavorable.

The Keener Law Firm has an exceptional track record of winning disability appeals for clients with heart conditions. Our attorneys understand that initial denials don’t reflect the true severity of your impairment, and we’re prepared to fight for your benefits through every level of appeal necessary.

Working with Experienced Disability Attorneys

Heart disability claims require specialized knowledge of both Social Security regulations and cardiovascular medicine. The right attorney can make the difference between approval and denial of your benefits.

When evaluating potential representation, look for:

• Experience specifically with cardiovascular disability claims
• Understanding of medical terminology and testing procedures
• Ability to work effectively with your treating physicians
• Track record of successful appeals
• No upfront fees – payment only when you win

Get Help with Your Heart Disability Claim Today

Don’t let a heart condition destroy your financial security. If your cardiovascular impairment prevents you from working, you have the right to disability benefits, but only if you can prove your case with proper medical evidence and legal representation.

The Keener Law Firm offers free consultations to evaluate your heart disability claim. We’ll review your medical records, assess the strength of your case, and explain your options with no obligation on your part. You pay nothing unless we win your benefits.