Is Atrial Fibrillation a Disability? How to Get Benefits
Yes, atrial fibrillation (AFib) can qualify as a disability if it makes it hard or impossible for you to work. While it's not listed with other heart conditions in the Social Security Administration's Blue Book, many still qualify. Eligibility depends on your symptoms and their severity.
Living with atrial fibrillation is about more than managing symptoms. It includes living with constant uncertainty, exhaustion, and fear surrounding your health. AFib can disrupt every part of your life—not just your ability to work.
In this guide, we'll help you understand atrial fibrillation and how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates AFib claims. We'll also tell you what you need to file and why a disability lawyer can make all the difference in getting the benefits you deserve.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of heart arrhythmia where the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly and often too fast. This irregular heartbeat disrupts normal blood flow through the heart and increases the risk of stroke, blood clots, and other cardiovascular diseases. Risk factors for AFib include sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, and even heart failure.
AFib can be occasional, persistent, or permanent. Some people experience brief episodes that come and go. Others live with constant symptoms that require ongoing treatment. Even short or infrequent cases can have lasting impacts on your mental health and ability to live or work.
Common Symptoms
Atrial fibrillation affects everyone differently. Some people may not notice any symptoms at all. Others experience severe, disruptive episodes that make it hard to work or even complete daily activities safely.
Common symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:
Irregular heartbeat: A fluttering, pounding, or racing sensation in your chest
Chest pain or discomfort: Pressure, tightness, or sharp pain that can be mistaken for a heart attack
Shortness of breath: Especially during mild activity or when lying down
Fatigue or weakness: Persistent exhaustion even after resting
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting: Increasing the risk of falls and injury
Anxiety or a sense of panic: Worry and fear triggered by unpredictable heart rhythms
Symptoms can vary in frequency and intensity. For some, episodes are rare and manageable. For others, symptoms are constant and disabling.
Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation
Treatment for atrial fibrillation tries to control your heart rhythm and prevent blood clots. Together, these help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. However, treatment isn't always enough to let you return to work.
Before you receive benefits, you may be required to try one or more of the following treatment options.
Medications
Doctors often prescribe medications to manage symptoms related to atrial fibrillation. However, side effects like fatigue, dizziness, and anxiety may still make working difficult.
Common medications include:
Beta-blockers to slow the heart rate
Calcium channel blockers to control high blood pressure and heart rhythm
Anti-arrhythmic drugs to stabilize irregular heartbeat
Blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke
Lifestyle changes
Managing AFib often involves adjusting your daily habits to help improve heart health.
Typical lifestyle changes include:
Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
Reducing stress through relaxation techniques
Following a heart-healthy diet
Engaging in mild, doctor-approved exercise
Unfortunately, lifestyle changes don't often resolve AFib. Many still experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat episodes.
Surgeries and Procedures
Sometimes, medications and lifestyle changes are not enough. Next, doctors may recommend procedures to better control your heart's rhythm.
Common options include:
Electrical cardioversion: A controlled electric shock to reset the heart's rhythm
Catheter ablation: A minimally invasive procedure that destroys the heart tissue causing abnormal signals
Pacemaker implantation: A device inserted to regulate the heartbeat if other treatments fail
Unfortunately, surgery doesn't guarantee significant improvement or a cure. Some people continue to experience recurring symptoms and may need additional treatments.
Does Atrial Fibrillation Qualify for Disability Benefits?
Atrial fibrillation isn't listed by name in the Social Security Administration's Blue Book of impairments, but that doesn't mean you can't qualify for benefits.
Many AFib claims are evaluated under the listings for chronic heart failure or recurrent arrhythmias (Listing 4.05).
To be considered disabled under SSA rules, you must show that your medical condition:
Has lasted, or is expected to last at least 12 months
Prevents you from doing your past work or adjusting to other types of work
Significantly limits your ability to perform tasks, such as walking, standing, lifting, or concentrating
Ultimately, the SSA looks at how your symptoms affect your everyday functioning, not just the diagnosis itself.
Criteria for Getting Disability Benefits With Atrial Fibrillation
Receiving Social Security disability benefits requires a strong case. For that, you'll need to convince the SSA that your atrial fibrillation prevents you from maintaining gainful employment.
The SSA may look for:
Ongoing cardiac arrhythmias despite treatment, documented through EKGs, Holter monitors, or stress tests
Frequent disabling symptoms such as fainting, heart palpitations, or shortness of breath
Emergency room visits or hospitalizations related to AFib episodes
Doctor's statements describing work restrictions, like no heavy lifting or excessive standing
Evidence of work disruptions, like missed days, frequent breaks, or an inability to maintain a regular schedule
The goal is to show that your condition makes any form of consistent, substantial gainful activity impossible.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits
Applying for Social Security disability benefits when you have atrial fibrillation takes careful preparation. Even small mistakes—like missing a piece of medical evidence or leaving out important details—can lead to delays or denials.
Here's how to give yourself the best chance at success:
1. Gather Detailed Medical Evidence
Start by collecting detailed medical records. These should clearly show how your atrial fibrillation affects your ability to work. Important documents include:
Results from EKGs, Holter monitors, stress tests, blood tests, and other heart studies
Hospital discharge papers and emergency room visit records related to AFib episodes
Doctor's notes that explain your diagnosis, treatments, and symptoms
Lists of medications, dosages, side effects, and how they impact your daily functioning
Personal logs describing episodes of chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting spells
The stronger your medical records, the harder it is for the SSA to dispute the severity of your condition.
2. Complete the SSA Application
You can apply for Social Security disability insurance:
Online through the SSA's website
By phone, by calling 1-800-772-1213
In person at your local Social Security office
When filling out your application, be specific. Don't just say "heart problems." Describe how symptoms like dizziness or fatigue interfere with your ability to work or live.
You should also be ready to answer questions about your family history, work history, and benefits you've received previously.
3. Expect an Initial Denial—And Be Ready to Appeal
The SSA denies most first-time disability claims, even when applicants clearly qualify. If you receive a denial:
Request reconsideration quickly (you usually have 60 days to appeal)
Submit any new medical evidence that supports your case
Consider working with a disability lawyer to strengthen your appeal and avoid filing mistakes
The appeal process can take months or even years, so don't wait to pursue your claim. Fortunately, if you eventually receive approval, the SSA will provide back pay for any eligible amount of time you spend in the application process and appeals.
Get Help Navigating the Disability Claim Process
Applying for social security benefits can feel overwhelming. You must ensure you meet the SSA's strict requirements and prove your case without mistakes. Even then, they can still deny your claim.
An experienced disability attorney can help by:
Gathering the right medical evidence
Completing forms accurately to avoid delays
Strengthening your case for appeals and hearings
Many people who get denied early eventually win on appeal—often because they finally got legal help to present their case properly.
You don't have to handle this alone. If atrial fibrillation is keeping you from working, we're here to help you fight for the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.