Proving Hypertension to the Social Security Administration
Posted on: 13 May 2021
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects a lot of people in the United States. Some can control it with lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of those things. In many cases, though, hypertension and the many ways it affects the body will prevent normal living.
When your job is on the line, you may need to know what to expect in terms of Social Security approval if you no longer can work. Read on to find out why proof is so important when trying to get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
Being Approved for SSDI
It's not easy to get benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). You must have proof of your disability but you also must show that your hypertension is severe enough to prevent you from working. The way the SSA looks at it, you must be unable to work at your job for at least one year to qualify for benefits. Before you apply, be ready to explain at least one of the following:
- You have been unable to work for at least a year.
- Your doctor expects you to be unable to work for a least a year in the future.
- You expect to be unable to work for a combination of a year in the past and the future.
Getting Medical Proof
The SSA requires that you have medical records backing up your claims of hypertension. If you are not already under a doctor's care, see one right away. Applicants should also continue to seek medical treatment, take prescribed medications, and have diagnostic tests performed while they wait for approval. If you are turned down for benefits, and this is a common occurrence, you should be prepared to have proof of recent hypertension treatment at your appeal hearing.
Addressing Related Medical Conditions
Unfortunately, hypertension doesn't usually affect one area of the body. Many people end up with related conditions brought on by hypertension. You might be negatively affected by heart disease, kidney disease, and arterial diseases. Be sure to include information about other related conditions when you apply for benefits.
If you have already been turned down and your medical condition has worsened, which is common, be sure you tell your attorney about those conditions as you prepare for your appeal hearing. For help with your SSDI application or if you have been turned down, speak to a Social Security attorney at once.
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