Defending And Empowering The Disabled Since 1993

Disability Claims For Coronary Or Lung Disease

Certain heart problems, lung diseases and related conditions automatically qualify for Social Security disability. But most coronary and pulmonary diseases require additional proof that the person will be sidelined from work for at least a year, if not permanently.

The experienced and caring staff of Rogers, Hofrichter & Karrh will explore your case and fight for your eligibility if you have a claim for heart disease or lung disease. Our lawyers know the Social Security system and how to document these claims in order to obtain the best chance of approval.

Call us at CALL for a free consultation. We welcome clients in the Metro Atlanta area and throughout Georgia.

Heart and Lung Conditions as a Social Security Disability

The Social Security Administration recognizes certain conditions as qualifying disabilities:

  • Congestive heart failure
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis)
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchitis
  • Pneumoconiosis (“black lung” disease)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Pleural effusion
  • Chronic lung infections
  • Lung cancer or mesothelioma

A thoroughly documented diagnosis by a reputable cardiologist or pulmonologist is sometimes sufficient to meet the criteria for Social Security disability eligibility, especially if the disease is advanced.

If your claim was turned down or if your impairment is borderline, the SSA will require additional documentation to accept that you are effectively disabled from working. We help clients ask their treating physicians the right questions and request the right tests or corroborating information:

  • X-ray, MRI, CT scan, echocardiogram or electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • Cardiac stress tests or pulmonary capacity tests
  • Relevant medical history — family history of lung or heart disease; prior stroke, heart attacks or acute asthma episodes; previous catheterization or bypass surgery)
  • Reported or verified symptoms — shortness of breath, fatigue, angina chest pain, numbness, chronic cough
  • Employment history and employment attempts

Don’t Suffer and Don’t Give Up Hope

Many people keep working or return to their jobs, suffering miserably and making their condition worse, because they have been rejected for Social Security disability or fear they won’t qualify. Our attorneys can help chronicle your health problems and the impact on your life, and fight to get you qualified for benefits.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation. There are no attorney fees unless we take your case and secure your SSDI/SSI long-term disability benefits.