Social Security Disability for congestive heart failure, diabetes & back issues - brother losing employer insurance soon

Your brother has a strong case for SSDI with those three serious medical conditions combined. Congestive heart failure with an EF of 32% alone might qualify him under the SSA's cardiovascular listings, especially if he has documented symptoms affecting his ability to function. The combination with diabetes and severe back issues requiring fusion surgery makes his case even stronger. I would absolutely recommend getting a disability attorney immediately. They typically work on contingency (only get paid if he wins) and are limited to 25% of backpay or $7,000, whichever is less. An experienced SSDI attorney will: 1. Help file the initial application properly 2. Ensure all medical records are obtained 3. Get proper statements from his doctors about his limitations 4. Guide him through the appeals process if needed Timeline: Unfortunately, even strong cases often face initial denial. The full process could take 4-24 months depending on your location and whether appeals are needed. However, his case might qualify for Compassionate Allowance or Quick Disability Determination processing if his heart condition is severe enough.

my husband got ssdi for heart failure last year but took 8 months and he was 61 with an EF of 28%. they denied him first time even with the low EF! had to appeal. get a lawyer right away dont wait!!! they know what medical records to get and what to say

To answer your follow-up question - he should apply right away. Don't wait for the back surgery. The application date establishes his "date of filing" which is important for backpay calculations. The SSA will consider the combined effects of ALL his medical conditions. Regarding the insurance gap - here are some options to consider: 1. COBRA coverage from his employer (expensive but maintains his current insurance) 2. ACA marketplace coverage (might qualify for subsidies based on reduced income) 3. If his assets and income are low enough, he might qualify for Medicaid in some states Once approved for SSDI, he'll qualify for Medicare, but there's a 24-month waiting period from his established disability onset date (with a few exceptions).

I went thru something similar with my heart (EF was 25%) and diabetes. The SSA system is SO FRUSTRATING!! I got denied TWICE before getting approved and it took almost TWO YEARS total. By then I'd lost my house and everything. The backpay helped but didn't fix the damage done. My advice: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Every doctor visit, every medication, every time he can't do basic tasks. Have him keep a daily journal of symptoms and limitations. Get statements from family members about how they have to help him. The more evidence the better!!

Your brother's case seems to meet several of SSA's listed impairments that could qualify for disability. For heart failure, they look at systolic or diastolic failure with specific symptoms or ejection fraction measurements. The key is having proper medical documentation that matches their listing criteria. To address specific timeline questions: 1. Initial applications typically take 3-5 months for a decision 2. Reconsideration (first appeal if denied) takes another 3-4 months 3. Hearing before an ALJ (second appeal) can take 9-12+ months depending on backlog The most important thing is having a complete application with thorough medical evidence. About 65-70% of initial applications are denied, but the approval rates increase significantly at the hearing level with proper representation. I'd recommend looking at SSA's Compassionate Allowance conditions to see if his heart failure might qualify for expedited processing: https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm

Try claimyr.com to get thru to Social Security faster when you call. I had SUCH a hard time getting anyone on the phone when I was applying for my brother. With this service you don't wait on hold for hours - they call you back when an agent is available. Saved us so much frustration! They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU

I got approved for SSDI with heart failure + diabetes but it still took 14 months even tho my doctor said I would die without a transplant!!! The system is BROKEN. Your brother needs to apply ASAP and get a lawyer right away. Also, has he checked if his job has any long-term disability insurance? Sometimes that can pay more than short-term and can continue after he leaves the job. When my FMLA ran out my company fired me even tho I was literally in the hospital. I had to pay $600/month for COBRA which was impossible on no income. It's a cruel system especially when your dealing with life threating conditions!!!

One important thing to note: if your brother hasn't worked for 5+ months since his disability began (December), he should apply now rather than waiting. SSA has a 5-month waiting period before benefits start, but that period begins from his established onset date (when his disability began preventing work), not from his application date. Also, having your brother's doctors complete an RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) form documenting specific limitations is extremely helpful. This should detail exactly what he cannot do: how long he can sit/stand, lifting restrictions, cardiac limitations, etc. A good disability attorney will know exactly what documentation is needed for his specific conditions.

when my wife got disability for her back and diabetes she had to get statements from EVERY doctor and they all had to agree she couldnt work. make sure all his doctors are on the same page!!! also SSI and SSDI are different things. SSDI is based on his work credits and SSI is for people with no assets. he might qualify for both until SSDI kicks in since hes living with your mom and has no assets

You mentioned your brother's FMLA ends in March. He should immediately have a conversation with his HR department about accommodations under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) which might provide additional job protection beyond FMLA. Regarding getting representation: while you can start the application process yourself online at ssa.gov, having a disability attorney from the beginning often results in stronger initial applications. Most disability lawyers offer free consultations. Look for attorneys who specialize specifically in Social Security disability (not just general personal injury), preferably ones who are members of NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives).