Are you an adult who was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and can no longer work? If so, you might qualify for social security disability.

Who Are Adults with Congenital Heart Defects?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more adults than ever currently living with heart defects with which they were born. Most of this is due to the advances in care and treatment of these congenital defects. There are many success stories about how adults can live a normal life in light of their defect. Many of them have been well enough to have a job. Unfortunately, even with advanced surgical techniques and a better understanding of congenital heart defects, there is no cure for CHD. As adults get older, they might start having heart-related symptoms or their actual condition could get worse. In some of these instances, the adult would no longer be able to work. While some of these adults might not ever have thought about their heart condition in disability-related terms, they might qualify for social security disability.

What is Social Security Disability?

Simply put, social security disability (SSD) is a government program that qualifies those with enough work credit to receive monthly payments that are funded by taxes. That's why if an adult with a congenital heart condition has worked in the past, they could qualify for SSD. If they have never been able to work, they may qualify for a separate program called Social Security Income (SSI). Both programs are managed by the Social Security Administration.

How Do I Qualify for SSD?

In order to find out if you qualify for SSD, you will need to answer a series of questions having to do with your work history and if your heart condition interferes with your ability to work. Your condition must also be listed in the Social Security Blue Book. Heart conditions can be found on the listing of impairments page under 4.00 Cardiovascular System. Some of the symptoms or procedures that qualify adults with congenital heart defects to receive social security disability include:

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• Recurrent arrythmias
• Myocardial ischemia
• Cyanosis
• Heart transplant

You will need to provide medical documentation to prove that you have suffered with any of these symptoms. If you meet all the criteria and can prove your congenital heart condition is a disability that is affecting your work, you will be able to qualify for SSD.

For more information, contact Ledgerwood Law Group or a similar firm.