A person with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) experiences dizziness. If the person’s position changes suddenly, they may also faint. This happens when the person stands after remaining seated for a long time. These symptoms hinder a person’s ability to perform tasks that necessitate prolonged standing or sitting. For this very reason, an individual who has POTS might become eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.
POTS Disability is a type of disorder that affects the blood’s circulation. This problem affects millions of individuals and is a common type of dysautonomia. When the individual moves around, their blood flows steadily. However, when the individual suddenly sits or stands up, the blood’s pace slows down. This condition is known as orthostatic intolerance. OI, combined with an increased heart rate, indicates that the person has POTS.
The SSA Blue Book does not mention POTS disability. Hence, it becomes quite difficult for individuals with the disorder to receive disability benefits. A Hawaii disability lawyer can assist in obtaining Social Security disability benefits.
Symptoms and Types of POTS
Other symptoms that one can associate with POTS are:
- Nausea
- Chronic fatigue
- The chest hurts.
- Anxiety
- Sweatiness
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitation
- difficulty sleeping
- Problems with concentration
- weakness, and shaking.
The severity of the symptoms differs from one person to the next. They can either be mild or very acute.
The different types of POTS are:
- Neuropathic POTS.
- Secondary POTS.
- Hyperadrenergic POTS, and
- Hypovolemic POTS.
Treatment for POTS
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the individual. There is currently no cure for this condition. The medical practitioners treat the symptoms rather than the actual disease. Practitioners use medications such as beta-blockers, salt tablets, and midodrine, among others. Wearing medical compression socks to increase the blood flow up the legs is another treatment procedure. Doctors also prescribe consuming a high-salt diet and drinking lots of water. Doctors also recommend light exercises like yoga or walking to maintain a healthy heart. If the symptoms are severe, the doctors might recommend changing the complete lifestyle of the individual.
How can I apply for SSDI for people with POTS?
The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Blue Book does not list POTS or other autonomic nervous system-affecting disorders. However, the SSA allows the candidates to prove that their symptoms qualify them for getting the disability benefits. Individuals with the symptoms mentioned in the Blue Book can easily qualify for disability benefits. Those with symptoms not listed in the book must submit paperwork to prove eligibility for these benefits.
Patients suffering from POTS need to fill out the application form, submit the medical records from the doctors treating them, and also fill out the SSA’s residual functional capacity assessment. We conduct the RFC assessment to test the candidate’s energy level and limits. This helps to understand the types of jobs they can do. After completing this assessment, the examiner determines the candidate’s activity level, followed by the applicant’s work history.
If the assessment shows that the applicant can work in their current position, the SSA examiner will state that the candidate can work and recommend staying in this job or finding a similar kind of job. However, if the assessment shows that the candidate cannot perform the normal work in their current job, the SSA will then give this person SSI benefits.
How can a lawyer help with your disability claim?
The SSA disability claim process can be exhausting. Dealing with a significant amount of paperwork and managing a medical condition can be quite challenging. However, they also prepare their clients for the RFC if they need to take it. As a result, an individual with POTS can apply for benefits and receive them if they pass the assessment with proper knowledge.
