Can You Qualify for Disability With Thrombotic Disorders Like DVT or PE?
Yes, you may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits if you have a thrombotic disorder such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). However, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working.
Thrombotic disorders are medical conditions that involve the formation of blood clots inside blood vessels. These clots can block or slow normal blood flow, which may lead to serious health problems.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how a condition limits your ability to perform daily tasks and maintain employment when reviewing your claim. To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, your condition must prevent you from working full-time for at least 12 months. Because of this requirement, it can be difficult to qualify based on a single clotting event.
However, many people develop long-term complications, such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), from thrombotic disorders. CVI can cause persistent swelling, skin changes, pain, and ulcers. Severe symptoms and complications may make it more likely you will qualify for disability. The same rule applies to conditions like DVT or PE.
If you’re unable to work and need disability benefits, contact Patrick J. Kelly Law Office for a free consultation. We’ve been helping disabled individuals throughout California obtain SSD benefits for over 30 years.
What Is DVT and PE?
Thrombotic disorders, most commonly deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), involve blood clots that can lead to serious health issues. In DVT, a clot typically forms in a deep vein of the leg. With PE, the clot travels to the lungs, blocking an artery and potentially becoming life-threatening. Some people face lasting complications like chronic venous insufficiency or post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).
These conditions can cause ongoing pain, swelling, skin changes, and circulation problems that limit mobility, stamina, and daily function. Such issues can prevent substantial gainful work when severe and persistent.
Many applicants ask about deep vein thrombosis Social Security Disability eligibility. While DVT alone does not automatically qualify, related complications may meet SSA requirements.
Can You Get Disability for Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Does chronic venous insufficiency qualify for disability? It definitely can. The SSA may approve your claim if your condition causes severe, frequent symptoms such as:
- Severe leg swelling (edema)
- Persistent pain and aches
- Leg cramps
- Ulcers that won’t heal
- Difficulty standing or walking
In advanced cases, chronic venous insufficiency can easily lead to long-term complications that interfere with your ability to work.
What It Takes to Qualify for Disability Benefits
To be eligible for SSD benefits, you must meet the SSA’s general qualifying criteria. This means:
- You cannot perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
- Your condition prevents you from doing past work or adjusting to other types of work
- Your condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months
For thrombotic conditions, the SSA will evaluate how symptoms like pain, fatigue, swelling, and mobility issues affect your daily functioning.
SSA Criteria for Thrombotic Disorders & Chronic Venous Insufficiency
The SSA may evaluate a thrombotic disorder claim under listing 7.08 in the Blue Book for disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis. This listing covers clotting and bleeding disorders that cause complications resulting in at least three separate hospitalizations (at least 30 days apart) within a 12-month period.
Blue Book Criteria for Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency may be evaluated under listing 4.11, with criteria involving:
- Incompetency or obstruction of the deep venous system (issues in the deeper leg veins that impair normal blood return to the heart)
- Extensive brawny edema
- Skin changes such as stasis dermatitis (an inflammatory skin condition)
- Varicose veins
- Non-healing ulcers
- Ongoing complications despite treatment
If your medical condition does not qualify under a specific listing, you may still qualify for SSD through a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. This determines what you can and cannot do in a work setting despite your disability.
How Thrombotic Disorders Affect Your Ability to Work
Living with a thrombotic disorder can be extremely difficult. Symptoms often go beyond occasional discomfort and may include:
- Chronic leg pain and heaviness
- Swelling that worsens with standing
- Limited mobility or inability to walk long distances
- Fatigue and discomfort throughout the day
- Recurring blood clots or complications
Many people also ask, “Is post-thrombotic syndrome a disability?” Post-thrombotic syndrome can qualify if it causes ongoing pain, swelling, and skin issues that limit your ability to work. These symptoms can make it hard to maintain even a sedentary job, especially if you need to elevate your legs frequently or take unscheduled breaks.
Qualifying Evidence for Your Disability Claim
Strong medical evidence is critical to a successful claim. The SSA will look for:
- Medical records documenting your diagnosis
- Imaging studies (such as ultrasounds)
- Physician notes describing symptoms and limitations
- Treatment history and response to care
- Documentation of complications like ulcers or skin changes
The more detailed and consistent your records are, the stronger your claim will be.
Why It Helps to Work With a Disability Attorney
Filing for disability with a thrombotic disorder or CVI can be challenging. Many claims are denied due to a lack of evidence, minor errors, or incomplete applications. If your claim has been denied, our experienced disability attorney can:
- Help you understand why your initial application failed
- Review crucial medical documentation and strategize
- Ensure your application meets SSA requirements
- Present your limitations clearly and effectively
- Prepare you for and represent you at an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing
At Patrick J. Kelly Law Office, we understand how difficult it is to live with conditions like DVT, chronic venous insufficiency, and post-thrombotic syndrome. We work closely with clients to build strong cases and improve their chances of approval.
Get Help With Your SSD Claim Today
If you’re struggling with a thrombotic disorder or other physical impairment and cannot work, you do not have to navigate the claims process alone. At Patrick J. Kelly Law Office, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options.
