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Can You Get Social Security Disability Benefits for Vascular Diseases?

Vascular diseases, a group of disorders affecting the network of blood vessels in our body, can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to work and perform daily activities. This blog post aims to provide an overview of various vascular diseases, their causes, treatments, and the potential for obtaining Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits for these conditions.

What are Vascular Diseases?

Vascular diseases include conditions such as hypertension, pulmonary embolism, low blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon, pulmonary hypertension, aneurysm, and lymphedema.

These conditions affect both the arteries and veins, large and small, and can lead to serious health complications.

Mechanism of Vascular Diseases

Blood is pumped from the heart through arteries, which branch into smaller vessels, eventually leading to tiny capillaries where nutrients and wastes are exchanged. The blood then returns to the heart through veins. In vascular diseases, this process is disrupted. For instance, in atherosclerosis, plaque builds up inside the arteries, narrowing them and making it harder for blood to flow.

Types of Vascular Diseases

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD): PVD refers to diseases of the blood vessels outside the heart and brain. In PVD, a fatty deposit called plaque accumulates on the inner walls of blood vessels, causing the vessels to narrow and impairing blood flow. This can lead to symptoms such as pain, skin discoloration, skin infections, and skin ulcers. These symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s mobility and ability to perform physical tasks, potentially affecting their work performance.

Limb-Threatening Ischemia: This is an advanced stage of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) that involves a decrease in blood flow to the limbs. This condition can cause severe pain and mobility issues, which can make it difficult for individuals to maintain regular employment, especially in jobs that require physical activity.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Chronic hypertension can lead to serious complications such as heart disease and stroke. These complications can result in significant disability, potentially affecting an individual’s ability to work.

Aneurysm: An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of an artery, which can burst and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Depending on its location, an aneurysm can cause a range of symptoms from pain to neurological deficits, which can impact an individual’s work ability.
Pulmonary Embolism: This is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough, which can significantly impact an individual’s ability to perform their job duties.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. It can cause pain and swelling, and if the clot dislodges, it can lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. These symptoms and complications can affect an individual’s mobility and overall ability to work.

Causes and Treatments of Vascular Diseases

Vascular diseases can be caused by a variety of factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, inflammation of blood vessels, diabetes, obesity, advanced age, family history, injury to limbs, exposure to radiation, and smoking.

Treatment options for vascular diseases often include lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgical procedures. For instance, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) might be managed with medications like Atorvastatin or Fluvastatin to reduce blood cholesterol levels, or Chlorothiazide to manage high blood pressure. In severe cases, procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery might be necessary.

Medical Treatments

Medications: Various medications are used to manage vascular diseases. These can include:

Statins to help reduce levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
Antihypertensives to help treat high blood pressure.
Blood-thinning medications to help reduce the risk of blood clots.
Blood pressure medicines, blood thinners, cholesterol medicines, and clot-dissolving drugs.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to widen narrowed blood vessels or bypass blocked arteries.

Lifestyle Modifications

Dietary Changes: A healthy diet is one of the best weapons against vascular diseases. This includes:

Eating a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Including low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry, fish, legumes, non-tropical vegetable oils, and nuts.
Limiting intake of saturated and trans fats, red and processed meats, added sugars, sugar-sweetened beverages, and sodium.

Physical Activity: Regular physical activity supports healthy blood flow throughout your vascular system. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity (or an equal combination of both) each week.

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can help manage vascular diseases. This involves balancing the calories you take in with the calories you burn through physical activity.

Smoking Cessation: If you smoke, quitting is one of the most effective ways to improve your vascular health.

Moderating Alcohol Intake: Limiting or preferably avoiding alcohol intake can also be beneficial.

Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress, which is often a contributing factor to vascular diseases.

Elevating the Legs: Elevating your legs can have several potential health benefits, especially for those with vascular diseases. Here are a few key benefits:

Improves Blood Flow: Elevating your legs can help improve blood flow in your lower extremities.
Reduces Swelling: It can help excess fluid to drain away more effectively, thus reducing swelling.
Lowers Pressure: It can help lower the pressure in your legs by allowing blood that has pooled to drain away.

Compressive Devices: Compressive devices, such as Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) devices, are used to help prevent blood clots in the deep veins of the legs. The devices use cuffs around the legs that fill with air and squeeze your legs. This increases blood flow through the veins of your legs and helps prevent blood clots.

Compression Hose: Compression stockings, often known as compression socks or support hose, are specialized hosiery garments that improve blood circulation in your legs. They are widely used to alleviate various venous issues, reduce the risk of vein diseases, and manage existing vein conditions. They work by applying graduated pressure to your legs, with the greatest pressure at the ankle and decreasing as it moves up the leg.
Remember, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen. If you’re living with a vascular disease and it’s affecting your ability to work, consider exploring your options for Social Security Disability benefits. A disability lawyer can assist you with your SSDI application and appeal process.

Vascular Diseases and Social Security Disability Benefits

If you’re living with a vascular disease that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes several serious vascular disorders as qualifying conditions for SSD benefits. However, to qualify, you must demonstrate that your condition prevents you from working.

The Role of a Disability Lawyer

Navigating the SSD benefits application process can be challenging. A disability lawyer can assist you with your SSDI application and appeal process.

They can help gather medical records, fill out the application accurately, and represent you during hearings. Applicants who used an attorney or a nonattorney representative in hearings before a judge in the appeals process were awarded SSDI benefits 2.9 times more often than those who did not have representation.

Hiring a disability attorney when dealing with vascular diseases can provide several benefits:

Expertise: Disability attorneys understand the intricacies of Social Security Disability (SSD) claims and can guide you through the process. They are well-versed in the complex requirements set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Evidence Gathering: Your attorney can help gather all your medical records that are relevant to your disability claim. They can assist in showing the severity of your conditions, the symptoms, the treatments, the side effects, and your prognosis.
Case Presentation: Attorneys can ensure that your case is thoroughly and compellingly presented. They can help gather the medical evidence needed to show that you meet a listing or establish service connection.
Contingency Fee Basis: Disability attorneys are often hired on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you’re awarded benefits. This can provide financial relief during challenging times.
Increased Approval Rates: Statistics show that applicants who hire an attorney for their disability claims have a higher success rate compared to those who don’t.

If you’re dealing with a vascular disease and considering applying for SSD benefits, hiring a disability lawyer could be a beneficial step. They can guide you through the process, helping to increase your chances of a successful application.

In conclusion, vascular diseases can significantly impact an individual’s life and ability to work. If you’re living with a vascular disease and it’s affecting your ability to work, consider exploring your options for SSD benefits and seeking the assistance of a disability lawyer.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Reach out to a professional who can guide you through the process and help you navigate the complexities of the SSD benefits application.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. For personalized guidance, please consult us at 504-588-9123.