Heart Disease and SSDI
Heart disease covers a wide range of conditions. Learn which cardiac conditions meet SSA listings and how to document limitations.
What the SSA Looks For
Heart disease is evaluated under Listings 4.02 (chronic heart failure), 4.04 (ischemic heart disease), 4.05 (recurrent arrhythmias), 4.09 (heart transplant), and others. The SSA requires documented cardiac testing — EKG, stress test, echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization — showing specific functional impairment.
Common Reasons Claims Are Denied
- Condition is managed with medication or surgery and SSA argues work is possible
- Lack of recent cardiac testing
- Ejection fraction above listing threshold
- RFC allows sedentary work with restrictions
How to Strengthen Your Appeal
Document exertional capacity with a formal stress test or 6-minute walk test. An ejection fraction below 30% strongly supports disability under Listing 4.02. Document any implantable devices (pacemaker, ICD) and their limitations. Have your cardiologist complete an RFC addressing specific exertional restrictions.
Key Medical Evidence Needed
- Echocardiogram showing ejection fraction and structural abnormalities
- Stress test results showing exercise tolerance
- Cardiac catheterization results if applicable
- Records of cardiac events (MI, hospitalizations, ER visits)
- Cardiologist RFC with specific exertional limits
- Records of implantable devices (pacemaker, ICD, LVAD)
Cardiovascular conditions — including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular disease — are among the most common bases for SSDI claims. The SSA's cardiovascular listings are detailed and require specific objective test findings.
Listing 4.02: Chronic Heart Failure
To meet Listing 4.02, you need documented chronic heart failure with systolic or diastolic dysfunction AND one of the following:
- Persistent symptoms of heart failure (dyspnea, fatigue, weakness) despite optimal treatment, AND reduced exercise tolerance on stress testing, OR
- Three or more separate episodes of acute congestive heart failure within a 12-month period with hospitalization, OR
- Inability to perform an exercise tolerance test at a workload equivalent to 5 METs or less due to dyspnea, fatigue, palpitations, or chest pain
Talk to a Disability Attorney — Free Consultation
SSDI attorneys work on contingency — you pay nothing unless you win, and fees are capped at 25% of back pay (maximum $9,200 in 2025). Most offer free initial consultations.
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