Can You Get Disability for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?

Understanding Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) irregularly quiver instead of beating effectively. This interferes with proper blood flow to the lower ventricles, causing symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath.

Causes of AFib

Many factors can trigger or worsen atrial fibrillation including both medical issues beyond one's control, as well as lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol use. Some common AFib causes are:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Congenital heart defects
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• Sleep apnea
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Caffeine overload
• Excessive stress
• Lung disease
• Viral infections

Applying for Disability with AFib

If your atrial fibrillation is uncontrolled with medications or procedures, it may significantly interfere with normal daily functioning. This may make you eligible for Social Security disability benefits, though qualifying is often difficult.

Meeting Blue Book Listings

To qualify for disability with AFib under the SSA Blue Book, your cardiac impairments must meet very strict, detailed criteria. Specifically, listings 4.05 for recurrent arrhythmias or 4.02 for chronic heart failure caused by AFib may apply.

Under listing 4.05, there must be EKG evidence showing the required frequency of atrial fibrillation episodes occurring over 6 months - either paroxysmal (intermittent) or permanent AFib.

Listing 4.02 requires left ventricular dysfunction with ejection fraction percentage calculations within strict parameters measured on a recent imaging test.

Proving Functional Limitations

If your AFib does not precisely satisfy Blue Book listings, you can still get approved by proving your ability to work is significantly hindered. This is an individualized assessment of how symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, etc impact your capacity to perform job duties 8 hours daily 5 days weekly on an ongoing basis.

Working closely with your doctors to thoroughly document your symptoms and treatment history is crucial here. Keeping a detailed diary tracking daily functioning can also demonstrate how AFib substantially limits activities required for any type of full-time employment.

Social Securitys 5 Step Evaluation Process

When evaluating disability claims, SSA follows this strict sequence of steps:

1. Are You Working? You cannot receive disability benefits if earning above $1,350 monthly (2022 figure).
2. Is Your Condition Severe? Your medical issue must significantly interfere with basic work tasks.
3. Does Your Impairment Meet or Equal A Disability Listing? If it matches specific Blue Book criteria, approval.
4. Can You Do Past Work? If symptoms prevent you from jobs done for 15+ years in past, proceed.
5. Can You Do Other Work? Based on limitations, age, education and skills, can any jobs exist nationally you still can perform full time? If not, approval.

For atrial fibrillation disability claims, steps 3-5 are most relevant, hinging on proving substantial functional deficits limiting ability to sustain employment.

Maximizing Chances of Approval

Follow these tips and strategies when filing for disability benefits due to uncontrolled atrial fibrillation:

Medical Evidence

Thorough cardiac testing records will be required, including EKG readings, echocardiograms, stress tests, chest x-rays, imaging studies, bloodwork, specialist referrals and detailed treatment notes spanning at least 12 continuous months showing the severity of your condition.

Symptom Journal

Keep a daily journal documenting your AFib symptoms - rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort, fatigue, etc - along with their frequency and length to demonstrate your impaired capacity to remain gainfully employed.

Function Report

When filling out SSA function reports describing abilities to handle activities of daily living, be very detailed in explaining what tasks you can no longer reliably perform due to uncontrolled AFib symptoms and treatments.

Attorney Consult

Schedule a free case evaluation with a disability attorney experienced in handling AFib claims. Statistics show claimants with qualified representation get approved more often than those submitting applications themselves.

Other Benefits Options Beyond SSDI

In addition to SSDI, other potential assistance programs exist which may provide alternative support if your atrial fibrillation prevents you from working full-time.

SSI

If you lack sufficient work history for Social Security, you may qualify for needs-based SSI disability instead, depending on strict financial criteria.

Medicaid & Medicare

Once approved for disability benefits after the 5 month SSDI waiting period, you will automatically get Medicare medical coverage plus have the option to additionally enroll in Medicaid for low income individuals in most states.

State Assistance

Look into special state programs providing medical help, cash assistance, food support and housing for disabled residents unable to work due to medical conditions like atrial fibrillation.

While qualifying for disability due to AFib can be quite difficult, paying close attention to the documented severity of your condition and associated functional limitations boosts the potential for an approval. Consulting with an experienced disability lawyer is also highly recommended to strengthen your case and appeal rights if initially denied.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.