Expert: David Richardson - 6/15/2009

Question
I am 38 years old and was diagnosed with cardiomypathy in 2001. Upon the initial diagnosis the echo calculated my EF at 25-28%.I fell very ill again in December of last year(2008) and my EF was calculated at 10-20%. Should I file a claim for disability insurance payments with SSA because I just can't physically do the things I used to. I am tired and weak all of the time, I can't walk 25 ft. without being weak and extremely exhausted. I am dizzy all of the time and suffer from shortness of breath upon minimal exertion. I can't stand or sit for more than 15 minutes at a time. The medications that I take are Diovan 80mg,Levothyroxine .125mg, Lasix 40mg bid, Carvedilol 12.5 mg  bid, metalazone, spironolactone 25mg, 81mg aspirin bid

Answer
Dear Danielle,

Yes, you are qualified for total and permanent disability.  It helps if you take to SSA a note from your doctor asking SSA to help you apply and to send the necessary forms to your doctor.  Your medicines seem correct to me.

Please write back if this note doesn't answer all your questions.

David Richardson