Don't Take It To Heart: Coping With SSDI Denial And Heart Trouble
When medical issues involve the heart, a chain reaction of problems may occur. Dealing with a heart condition can make it impossible to work at a job and many workers are forced to resign. Applicants that can show they have a heart condition and how it affects their ability to work may be provided Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Unfortunately, many SSDI applicants are denied their rightful benefits and must seek approval using an appeal hearing. To help you learn more about what needs to be demonstrated at the appeal hearing, read on.
What Happens at the Appeal Hearing
The appeal hearing is a second chance to convince the Social Security Administration (SSA) that your heart problem is bad enough to prevent you from fulfilling the tasks of a job. Two main things must be proven. The first is proof of the condition and the second is proof that the illness affects your work. The appeal hearing involves coming before an administrative law judge (ALJ) and a vocational expert and explaining how the SSA erred when they denied you benefits. You can, and should, seek help from a Social Security lawyer in preparation for the hearing. As soon as you get your denial letter, find a Social Security lawyer and get them started on your case.
Proof of Your Condition
When claims are denied, it may be due to a lack of proof of the condition. The SSA and the ALJ are primarily looking for medical proof. That means you have to be able to show a record of being seen by a doctor, had certain diagnostic tests run, tried certain therapies, are using heart medication, and are continuing to get medical treatment. Your Social Security lawyer will request your medical records and may have you return to the doctor for more tests and treatment.
Proof of the Impact on Working
The second obstacle is to demonstrate the way your heart condition affects your ability to work at your job. That means your most recent job and any other job in the near future. In some cases, you were denied benefits because it is unclear how the symptoms you experience affect specific job tasks. This is where having a Social Security lawyer becomes so vital. They can relate job tasks and your inability to perform them to specific traits of your illness. To find out more, speak to a Social Security lawyer like Todd East Attorney at Law about your case as soon as you can.