Atherosclerosis

Living with atherosclerosis can make daily life hard. This disease narrows your arteries and restricts blood flow. Some people have serious complications like heart disease, stroke, or organ damage. If you have atherosclerosis, you may not be able to work. You may also qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

At Pond Lehocky Disability, we help people win disability benefits. Our team understands that the benefits process is difficult. We’re here to guide you through every step.

What Is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis means “hardening of the arteries.” It happens when fatty deposits (called lipids) build up on the walls of your arteries. The most common type of lipid is cholesterol. The buildup is called plaque.

Over time, plaque causes the arteries to narrow and restrict blood flow. This condition can affect any artery in the body. The risks are serious and may include:

Atherosclerosis develops slowly over time. Most people won’t notice symptoms until their arteries are badly blocked. Severe atherosclerosis can make it hard to work.

Symptoms that May Affect Your Ability to Work

The symptoms of atherosclerosis depend on which arteries are affected. Some people can continue working, but many cannot. Common symptoms that interfere with work include:

• Chest pain or pressure (angina)
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
• Weakness and fatigue
• Dizziness
• Pain or numbness in the legs or arms
• Difficulty walking long distances
• Risk of sudden medical emergencies like a heart attack or stroke

If you have a job that requires you to stand or lift heavy objects, these symptoms may be disabling. If your job requires a lot of physical activity, you may not be able to work due to fatigue and chest pain.

Can You Get Disability Benefits for Atherosclerosis?

You may qualify for SSD benefits if your condition keeps you from working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict rules about who qualifies. They look at:

• Medical evidence. The SSA will review your test results and your doctor’s notes to see how blocked your arteries are.
• Symptoms and complications. The SSA will review your symptoms, like angina, leg pain, or other problems that could cause you to be unable to work.
• Functional limitations. The SSA will consider how your condition limits your ability to work and stay focused.

Atherosclerosis may be considered under the SSA’s “Blue Book” listings for:

• Chronic heart failure (Listing 4.02)
• Ischemic heart disease (Listing 4.04)
• Peripheral artery disease (Listing 4.12)

You may still qualify if your symptoms prevent you from performing any full-time work.

How a Disability Lawyer Can Help

Applying for SSD benefits is not simple. The rules are complicated, and small mistakes can lead to denial. At Pond Lehocky Disability, our lawyers help by:

• Collecting strong medical evidence. We work with your doctors to gather test results and records that prove your limitations.
• Filing your application. We make sure all paperwork is accurate and complete.
• Handling appeals. If you were denied, we fight for you through reconsideration and hearings.
• Representing you in court. An attorney will represent you at hearings with a judge. They will argue your case.
• Guiding you step by step. From the first application to the final decision, you’ll never have to face the process alone.

Our team has helped thousands of clients win benefits after being denied on their own.

What Benefits Can You Receive?

If you get approved, SSD benefits can provide you with financial support, including:

• Monthly payments. Regular income to help cover living expenses.
• Medical coverage. Medicare or Medicaid eligibility after a waiting period.
• Back pay. Compensation for the time you were disabled before your approval.
• Dependents’ benefits. In some cases, your family may also receive support.

These benefits make a huge difference when you’re unable to work.

Steps to Take Now

If you have atherosclerosis and can’t work, don’t wait. Here’s what you should do:

• See your doctor regularly. Keep records of your condition and its progression.
• Track your symptoms. Write down how your illness affects daily activities
• Gather work history information. SSA will ask about your past jobs.
• Contact a disability lawyer. The sooner you get legal help, the stronger your case may be.

Contacting an attorney is a decision you can make to help secure and maximize your benefits.

Why Choose Pond Lehocky Disability?

At Pond Lehocky Disability, we focus on helping people like you get the benefits they need. We’ve represented clients across the country in their disability claims. Our attorneys have a record of getting positive results in Social Security Cases. We know how stressful this process can be, and we use a team approach to support you and fight for your benefits.

We have a good reputation for helping people who can’t work because of a serious condition.