As many as 1 in 4 Americans are believed to suffer from hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Those with hypertension have high blood pressure levels, even when they are at rest. There are several challenges involved in applying for benefits for hypertension. First, the Social Security Administration (SSA) no longer includes the condition in its impairments book that qualifies for benefits. Also, your condition may not meet the disability criteria of the agency.
However, you may still be able to qualify for benefits. In order to qualify for disability benefits for hypertension, you will be required to provide detailed and accurate medical information. Your doctor must provide a treatment summary or notes testifying to your condition, including any current treatment for your hypertension. If you have been admitted into the hospital any time in the past after a spike in your blood pressure levels, this information must be relayed to the SSA too. Blood test results, as well as the results of CT scans and MRI scans, if available, must also be presented as evidence.
Remember, you may be able to qualify for benefits if your Residual Function Capacity shows that you face restrictions on the amount of work you can do. For instance, if your hypertension causes heart dysfunction, and restricts your ability to work to just about two hours of physical activity a day, it can severely limit your ability to work and earn an income.
If you have questions about if you may qualify for disability benefits for hypertension, call Lisa Smith Siegel, Georgia Disability Attorney.