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Our Helpful Louisiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Explains How Understanding the SSDI Process Is Key to Obtaining Approval for High Blood Pressure
If you’re unable to work due to severe hypertension, you might be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Hypertension is a common health concern in Louisiana, with 40 percent of adults reporting that their doctor told them they have high blood pressure. This is 8 percent higher than the rest of the nation on average, which hovers around 32 percent. Though high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease and a precursor for numerous other health issues, the Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t include it in its Blue Book, which lists qualifying conditions and the specific criteria for approval. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ineligible for SSDI benefits.
Understanding the nuances of the SSDI application process and the impact of hypertension-related complications can help you navigate the system more effectively. At Phillip M. Hendry Law, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Our experienced Louisiana Social Security disability lawyer helps clients with severe hypertension explore their eligibility, complete their application, and fight for the SSDI benefits they deserve.
Here’s what you should know about hypertension and your chances of qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for this condition.
Understanding Hypertension and Its Effects
Blood pressure of more than 120/80 mm Hg is elevated, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defining Stage 1 hypertension as 130/80 mm Hg and above and Stage 2 as 140/90 mm Hg and higher. When you have hypertension, the force of your blood against your artery walls is too strong. Hypertension can lead to wide-ranging health issues, many of them serious. These include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage to the eyes
- Internal bleeding
- Sexual dysfunction
- Dementia.
Additionally, severely elevated blood pressure—such as 180/120 mm Hg—is associated with symptoms like headaches, palpitations, and nosebleeds.
Exploring When You Might Qualify for SSDI for High Blood Pressure
While hypertension alone won’t typically qualify you for SSDI benefits, many of its complications can. For example, if your high blood pressure contributes to heart failure, coronary artery disease, or chronic kidney disease, which are included in the SSA Blue Book, you could potentially qualify for benefits.
Also, when you apply for SSDI and have several issues that prevent you from working, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers the cumulative or combined effects of all your medical conditions and impairments when determining your eligibility for disability benefits. Even when applying for a seemingly unrelated condition, such as degenerative disc disease, the examiners at Disability Determination Services (DDS) who evaluate your SSDI application also take your hypertension into account.
Working With Our Experienced Louisiana SSDI Lawyer Could Increase Your Chances of Approval
The SSDI application process is complex and complicated, even when you have a condition that clearly qualifies. Fortunately, our adept Social Security disability attorney knows the SSDI program and its processes inside and out and offers exceptional representation and compassionate support to help you navigate the system. Here’s how Phillip M. Hendry Law can assist you:
- Exploring your eligibility. We verify that you have a severe and long-lasting medically determinable impairment (MDI) that prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA).
- Gathering vital evidence. Our attorney helps you collect demonstrative medical evidence for your MDI from acceptable medical sources (AMS).
- Completing your application. We help you complete your online or physical SSDI application.
- Reviewing your SSDI application. Our disability lawyer reviews your completed application to check for common mistakes, such as errors or omissions in the application paperwork.
- Handling communications with the SSA. We keep up with the communications from the SSA, so that you can focus on your health.
- Advocating for you. Our highly skilled Social Security disability lawyer advocates for you at every turn, fighting passionately for the SSDI benefits you deserve.