High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can silently disrupt life. Millions of Americans contend with it daily, often without outward symptoms. But in more severe cases, high blood pressure may result in serious complications, affecting essential organs like the heart, kidneys, and even eyesight. When these complications make it impossible to keep working, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) could be an option. Yet, qualifying isn’t straightforward. Here’s a look at how SSDI works when high blood pressure limits your life.
Why Hypertension Alone Usually Doesn’t Count as a Disability
While surprising, the SSA doesn’t treat high blood pressure as a standalone disability under its guidelines. So, why doesn’t hypertension automatically qualify? The SSA’s Blue Book lists recognized disabilities, and hypertension isn’t there. However, complications might arise from it, leading to approval. Hypertension can cause or worsen health problems that do qualify, especially when it affects vital systems like the heart, kidneys, or brain.
How Hypertension-Related Issues Could Help You Qualify for SSDI
If hypertension interferes with daily life, it’s not enough to only show high blood pressure readings. Instead, you need to demonstrate how complications make work impossible. Here’s a look at some hypertension-related health issues that may help your case:
- Heart Conditions: When high blood pressure impacts the heart, it can lead to coronary artery disease, heart failure, or other cardiovascular issues. These problems can prevent a person from performing even basic tasks due to fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain. If this sounds familiar, applying under cardiovascular impairments may be an option.
- Kidney Impairments: Hypertension can strain the kidneys over time, causing chronic kidney disease. SSA recognizes kidney impairments if they limit functionality, and applicants with kidney issues caused by hypertension might have a stronger case for SSDI.
- Neurological Conditions: Because high blood pressure increases stroke risk, a person who’s had a stroke or struggles with cognitive issues due to hypertension might qualify for neurological impairments. If mobility, memory, or coordination are affected, these details strengthen a claim.
- Vision Problems: Sometimes, hypertension damages blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss. For those dealing with reduced vision due to high blood pressure, SSA’s visual impairment listings could provide a qualifying route.
Each listing has specific requirements, so gathering thorough, accurate records becomes crucial.
How to Apply for SSDI When Hypertension Limits Your Life
When applying for SSDI based on hypertension-related complications, a detailed approach matters. Here’s a breakdown:
- Gather Complete Medical Records: Evidence makes a case. Collect blood pressure readings, lab results, and records of treatments attempted. A strong SSDI claim includes everything—blood pressure data, treatments, side effects, and documented impacts.
- Explain How Symptoms Impact Daily Function: Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue might sound manageable alone, but together they can make daily tasks nearly impossible. Share specifics about how your symptoms prevent work or limit daily activities.
- Submit a Detailed Application: SSDI applications are detailed for a reason. Describe every symptom, complication, and impact. Listing medications, surgeries, and even unsuccessful treatments can provide valuable context.
- Prepare for Possible Denials: Rejection happens often on the first try, with around 70% facing initial denials. Don’t give up if this happens—appealing with new evidence can help secure approval on a second attempt.
Why SSDI Benefits Group Makes a Difference in Navigating Disability Claims
Applying for SSDI with hypertension-related complications can feel overwhelming. SSDI Benefits Group offers valuable assistance to applicants by providing expert guidance, support, and representation. Here’s how we help:
- Thorough Case Building: We examine every piece of a client’s medical history, creating the strongest case possible.
- Access to Medical Experts: Our in-house medical professionals review your records and help present the evidence showing how high blood pressure limits your abilities.
- No Win, No Fee: You pay nothing unless your case is successful, giving you peace of mind.
- Nationwide Service: Wherever you live, we’re prepared to help you navigate the SSDI process.
Professional representation can make the SSDI application process less stressful and ensure all relevant details are accurately presented.
When Hypertension Disrupts Your Life, SSDI Could Be an Option
For many, high blood pressure may not seem like a traditional disability, but when complications prevent someone from earning a living, SSDI becomes a lifeline. The SSA may not list hypertension as a primary disability, but if it’s caused serious issues with your heart, kidneys, brain, or eyesight, you may qualify under related categories. If you’re facing hypertension’s impacts, reach out to SSDI Benefits Group for a free evaluation. Our team will help you through the SSDI process, from collecting documents to building a strong application.
Don’t let hypertension be the barrier—take a step toward securing the benefits you deserve.
