Is Having A Pacemaker Classed As A Disability?

Is Having A Pacemaker Classed As A Disability?

It is not necessary that a person possessing a pacemaker or implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD) automatically receives social security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will monitor the performance of the individual for at least three months after the placement of the device.

An individual will receive approval from the SSA only when the condition of the individual is so severe that there is no employment that the patient can perform safely. The administration accesses the situation in two different methods – considering the symptoms of the applicant and whether they meet the listing of the Social Security Blue Book and measure the limitations according to the requirement of several employments to check whether there is any possibility for the individual to work.

If the individual does not display any side effects or symptoms that make one eligible for the social security disability program, then SSA rejects the application of the claimant. However, if the individual is at least 50 years old and the doctor imposed certain restrictions that lead to a sedentary lifestyle, then the chances are high that SSA approves the application for the benefits.

Is Having A Pacemaker Classed As A Disability?

Meeting the Listing for Disability

The two crucial listings that enable an individual with a pacemaker to obtain benefits under the SSA program are chronic heart failure and arrhythmias.

Arrhythmias – if the individual is suffering from irregular heartbeats or known as arrhythmias even after installing the pacemaker, the patient can approach the administration to check whether they are eligible for the benefits. If a person has three episodes of fainting and loss of consciousness after placing the pacemaker, then the patient will become eligible for the SSA program.

Chronic Heart Failure – if a person is suffering from systolic or diastolic congestive heart failure, then the person qualifies for the social security benefit program. If, after placing the pacemaker, the individual experiences the same symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, and loss of consciousness, then the chances for approval are high. However, it is essential for the individual to display to the administration that the symptoms are interfering with the daily routines. One can do so by submitting the medical records that show that the patient failed the stress test and had at least three or more episodes of congestive heart failure that required hospitalization.

Measuring the Limitations

Obtaining the grant from the Social Security Administration requires an individual to prove that they are not capable of participating either in part-time or full-time employment. The individual additionally requires submission of doctor’s restrictions report. For instance, if the report states that the patient needs frequent breaks and cannot stand more than one hour, the administration considers this to be true and accepts the application. The individual will then receive the benefits under the social security disability program.

On the contrary, if the administration thinks that the condition is not severe and there is employment available that suit the symptoms of the patient, they will reject the application. For instance, if there is a restriction not to walk on hazardous equipment, the number of jobs comes down drastically. At the same instance, there are sit-down jobs available for the same. Therefore, the administration considers all these aspects before deciding whether to accept the application of the individual or not.

The Final Step

Before submitting the application, patients can ask the doctor to fill the residual functional capacity (RFC) form. The form will allow the doctor to state that the patient has restrictions that make it impossible for the patient to find suitable employment. SSA depends on the doctor’s response when there is substantial evidence of disability for the rest of the life.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:May 31, 2018

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