Will I be Approved for Disability with Coronary Artery Disease?   "I now have coronary artery disease and hypertension. I filed a claim in Jan 09 saying that coronary artery disease and hypertension were secondary to my diabetes II. This claim was denied in April--fast work did they even read the file?" I don't know what your other conditions might be but it's usually difficult to get approved on ischemic (coronary artery) disease. Diabetes type II as well. In fact, in recent years, SSA has worked to minimize the ability to win disability cases based on diabetes. The following page addresses coronary artery disease: Coronary artery disease may qualify you for disability. Here is an excerpt: "In the case of coronary artery heart disease, an MI (myocardial infarction, or heart attack), coronary bypass, stent, etc., does not guarantee SSD or SSI approval. To be approved on the basis of heart disease, a claimant would need to either meet the requirements of a listing or make it through the process of sequential evaluation, a five step process that measures whether or not a claimant can engage in work activity that is at or below the limit for SGA, or substantial gainful activity. Claimants who have suffered a myocardial infarction will likely be evaluated under listing 4.04 C, Coronary Artery Disease. This listing is predicated on significant listing-level occlusions (blockages) in bypassed or non-bypassed arteries, but also supposes that an individual has "very serious limitations in the ability to independently initiate, sustain, or complete activities of daily living." Since we've mentioned diabetes, this page addresses that condition: Applying for disability with Diabetes. However, I will say this: most cases get denied by a disability examiner at the disability application and reconsideration levels. And the majority of claims get approved at hearing level. You most likely have a good chance of being approved by an ALJ (administrative law judge). The most important things to keep in mind will be obtaining and sending to the ALJ updated medical records (because SSA stops all case development once the case moves beyond the reconsideration appeal level and into the domain of the hearing offices). Most important, however, will be obtaining a medical source statement from your treating physician(s). Unlike disability examiners, disability judges tend to give more consideration (and by comparison, substantial consideration) to the opinions of the doctors who actually provide treatment to claimants. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Forms for Social Security Disability Social Security Disability Criteria Social Security Disability decisions make little sense Understanding Fats for Heart Disease Can you be approved for disability without an appeal? Denied disability by ALJ Steps and Tips for requesting a disability hearing Preparation to win a disability hearing Filing for disability with sciatica How does the Social Security Disability Appeal Process work? Are SSDI and SSI Benefits Normally Continued After A Continuing Disability Review? How Does Social Security Decide If You Are Disabled How long to get a Social Security decision letter? How far back Social Security will pay SSDI or SSI SSI award notices are received by approved claimants