Is Coronary Artery Disease a Disability?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) can qualify for Social Security Disability benefits when it prevents you from working.

At Grundy Disability Group, we help people throughout Liberty, MO, and surrounding areas obtain disability benefits. If you’re unable to work due to this condition, we can help you understand whether your coronary artery disease meets Social Security’s requirements. We’re here to help you secure the benefits you need and deserve.

Ready to find out if you qualify for disability? Call (913) 444-9009 now to set up a free consultation with our experienced Social Security Disability lawyer in Missouri.

What Is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease in the U.S.

It happens when the main blood vessels supplying your heart become damaged or blocked by fatty deposits called plaque. This stops your heart from getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs to work properly.

This condition develops over many years and can worsen over time. The reduced blood flow to your heart can cause serious health problems like chest pain and heart attacks. The ongoing strain on your heart can lead to heart failure.

In severe cases, CAD can make even simple activities like walking short distances or climbing stairs extremely difficult. Many people suffer from symptoms like chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath that leave them unable to perform their job duties.

Understanding How You Can Get Coronary Artery Disease Disability Benefits

You can get disability for coronary artery disease when it limits your ability to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes coronary artery disease as a potentially disabling condition. However, simply having a diagnosis isn’t enough to receive approval for benefits.

You must prove that your condition meets several qualifying criteria:

Your disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months (or result in death)
Your disability must prevent you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
Your disability must meet medical criteria in the Blue Book under a listed impairment

Coronary artery disease is associated with several qualifying conditions in the Blue Book under section 4.00. This section covers cardiovascular system disorders, or heart problems for disability. CAD may be linked to:

The SSA offers two main programs for people with severe disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for disabled workers who have paid into the Social Security system by earning work credits. SSI provides support for disabled, blind, and aged (65 and older) people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.

Qualifying for Disability With Coronary Artery Disease

To receive benefits, you must file a strong claim with the SSA that includes evidence of your impairment and its severity. This means proving your disability meets specific medical criteria in the Blue Book.

For CAD claims, the SSA looks at different forms of medical evidence, such as:

A longitudinal clinical record
CAD shown by medical imaging
Abnormal lab test results
Limited ability to do physical activity
Abnormal stress test results
History of heart attacks or bypass surgery
Chest discomfort when active
Records of treatment and responses
Notes from regular doctor visits describing your symptoms

Your medical records need to show how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work. For example, you might experience:

Chest pain and shortness of breath during light activity
Extreme fatigue that stops you from working full-time
Dizziness or weakness
Inability to handle the physical demands of your job
Need for frequent rest periods throughout the day

It’s important to work with a qualified attorney when filing for disability. This is because it can be hard to gather the medical evidence needed to prove to the SSA you’re unable to work.

Why Medical Evidence Matters for Your CAD Claim

Strong medical evidence forms the foundation of a successful disability application. The SSA needs detailed documentation to verify that your CAD limits your abilities. It’s also important to provide non-medical evidence when possible, like statements from friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family.

Why Getting Social Security Disability Benefits Can Be Difficult

Even when coronary artery disease seriously affects your ability to work, getting claim approval can be difficult. The SSA denies many initial applications because of issues like:

Missing or incomplete medical records
Lack of evidence showing work limitations
Application errors
Failure to meet technical requirements such as income limits for SSI applicants

How Grundy Disability Group Can Help

Applying for disability benefits while dealing with coronary artery disease can be overwhelming. At Grundy Disability Group, we make the process easier. Our team knows exactly what the SSA needs to approve your claim.

As a fourth-generation attorney, Matthew R. Grundy brings extensive legal knowledge and skill to every case. When you choose to work with our law firm, we use our experience to help increase your chances of obtaining benefits. Our team will:

Review your medical evidence and help gather additional information
Help fill out all necessary documentation
Ensure all deadlines are met
Prepare you for any required hearings
Communicate with the SSA on your behalf

We help you through every step of filing your claim, from the initial application through the appeals process if necessary.

Contact Us for Help With Your Disability Claim

If you can’t work because of coronary artery disease, let us help you get the benefits you deserve. We’ve assisted many clients in securing disability benefits in Missouri and the Kansas City area, and we’re ready to help you, too.

Contact Grundy Disability Group online today or call (913) 444-9009 for a free case evaluation. Our caring team will review your case and explain your options. Don’t wait to get the help you need— call now!

Further Resources:

American Heart Association – National organization emphasizing healthy choices for people suffering from heart disease. This link takes you to the section on Coronary Artery Disease.

CDC Heart Disease – Lists signs and symptoms of heart problems and provides educational materials.

Disability Evaluation Under Social Security – Information from the SSA site on the requirements for claiming heart disease as a disability.

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My life was completely changed I felt like I had a voice I felt that I mattered I felt that my disability was causing me not to be seen or heard, they took every word every issue that I had [said] they worked with me to broke things down when I didn't understand and they never made me feel like I was not important. I won my case with a favorable approval they truly go above and beyond this Law Firm makes you feel like a person even when the world disables you out they do not and I will be forever grateful to them because now I can provide for my family and myself again I TRULY THANK Matt Grundy's Law Firm from the bottom of my heart.”

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After being denied trying to file on my own
I was fortunate to have Grundy Disability Group
recommended to me.

A short survey and a visit then they took control of my case. This was the best decision I’ve ever made. Matt answered all my questions without hesitation and gave me confidence about my case. I’ve already recommended them to others and will do so gladly. Thank you Matt and his team!”

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I’m epileptic and you recently
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I just wanted to email you guys and say thank you guys so much! I appreciate your hard work and dedication.! you guys have helped me get my income back since I haven’t been able to work. Now I can pay my bills again and get caught up again that is a relief. thank you guys again so much god bless you and all your families.”

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Thanks again for
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From the first conversation I had with Susan Frank, whose advice set me on a course to lay the groundwork of a successful claim – months before I hired you. I spoke to a couple of other places before I spoke to her and there was no comparison. The difference between my initial contact with Susan VS the others was a personal connection and actual value in the phone call. It was informative, connected and extremely helpful. This built trust and made my decision to choose your organization easy. My ongoing dealings with you only confirmed my choice. Matt is extremely connected with his clients and communicates promptly and thoughtfully.”

— T.C. Kansas City

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One of our social security disability lawyers will meet with you in Kansas City, Missouri to get you started on your case.

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Dear Matt

I want to take a moment to say I appreciate all you do for clients (me) throughout the SSD process. You provided me top-shelf representation, case knowledge and follow up. Thank you!”

— A.S. Leawood, KS

A friend referred
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I felt the weight lift off my shoulders. He was caring and efficient and took over the whole process. He handled all correspondence and was my voice in my hearing. I was ecstatic when Matt got my disability approved. I wish I had started with Matt before I ever filed.”

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They are thorough, and get the job done with the least amount of stress on the client as possible. I would recommend them to anyone I know who needs help navigating their SSDI claim. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”

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Coronary Artery Disease