Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Cor Pulmonale
Cor pulmonale is when a lung issue causes your right ventricle (heart chamber) to get so big that your heart starts to fail. It’s a type of right-sided heart failure. Normally, your right ventricle sends blood to your pulmonary artery to get oxygen from your lungs. But certain lung conditions cause high blood pressure in your pulmonary artery. That makes it harder for your right ventricle to get blood to your lungs.
Your right ventricle has to push against higher pressure in your pulmonary artery, where blood pressure is normally low. It’s like opening a car door when it’s windy outside. You have to push against the wind. When your right ventricle has to keep working harder than normal, it gets larger and doesn’t work well. Cor pulmonale makes up an estimated 6% to 7% of heart disease cases in the United States. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 3.09 of the Blue Book.
Does Cor Pulmonale Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with cor pulmonale do qualify, but they need to meet the requirements of the SSA’s guidelines listed in Section 3.09 of the Blue Book listing of qualifying conditions. It is also mentioned under the cardiovascular listing. To meet the qualification, you must meet the criteria for pulmonary artery pressure and decreased blood oxygen pressure. However, evidence of other medical problems will also help your case.
If you file for Social Security disability benefits for cor pulmonale, the SSA will consider both your cor pulmonale and your underlying respiratory disease. You will need a copy of your medical records, including treatment, which you will need to show as proof that you followed your doctor’s orders. You should also provide the results of all medical tests, especially a spirogram test. If you have had a heart catheterization, you should provide the results.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with cor pulmonale and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
