Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency a Disability? How to Qualify
Yes, Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) can be considered a disability if it is severe enough to limit your ability to work or perform daily activities. To qualify for Social Security disability benefits for CVI, you will typically need to meet specific criteria outlined in the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Blue Book, Listing 4.11.
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a long-term condition that affects blood flow to the legs. It occurs when the veins in your legs are damaged or weakened, making it harder for blood to return to the heart. This can cause blood to pool in the lower limbs, leading to swelling, pain, and skin changes.
CVI is often linked to varicose veins, blood clots, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and it tends to worsen over time without proper treatment. It can become debilitating, especially when complications like venous ulcers or severe swelling develop.
Common Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
The symptoms of CVI can vary from person to person, but common side effects include:
Swelling in the lower legs or ankles (especially after standing)
Aching or tired legs
Varicose veins
Skin discoloration or thickening
Leg cramps or a feeling of heaviness
Itching, flaking, or leathery-looking skin
Open sores (venous ulcers) on the lower extremity - legs or ankles
As the condition progresses, these symptoms can significantly limit mobility, comfort, and your ability to perform everyday tasks.
Treatment Options for Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Although there is no outright cure for CVI, many treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. The SSA will want to see that you've pursued reasonable treatment options before they approve a claim.
Common Treatments Include:
Compression therapy: Wearing compression socks or stockings can help with blood flow.
Medications: Diuretics for swelling or anticoagulants if there is a risk of clotting can be helpful.
Lifestyle changes: Elevating legs, losing weight, and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting are all things that can help.
Physical therapy: Some exercises can promote circulation and leg strength.
Sclerotherapy or laser therapy: This type of therapy is a minimally evasive procedure to close or remove damaged veins.
Surgery: In more severe cases, vein stripping or bypass procedures may be necessary.
If symptoms persist beyond treatment, then this can support your disability claim.
Can You Get Disability Benefits for Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Yes, you can get disability benefits for CVI if the condition is medically serious enough to limit your ability to perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). To be eligible for Social Security disability benefits for CVI, you typically need to meet certain requirements detailed in the SSA's Blue Book, Listing 4.11.
If you don't meet a listing, you may still qualify through a medical-vocational allowance. This takes into account your symptoms, age, work history, and functional limitations.
Criteria for Getting Disability Benefits With Chronic Venous Insufficiency
The SSA evaluates CVI under Listing 4.11, which requires incompetency or obstruction of the deep venous system and one of the following:
A. Extensive brawny edema involving:
At least two-thirds of the leg between the ankle and knee, or
The distal one-third of the lower extremity between the ankle and hip.
OR
B. Superficial varicosities, stasis dermatitis, and either:
Recurrent ulceration, or
Persistent ulceration that has not healed after at least 3 months of prescribed treatment.
Even if you don’t meet the exact criteria under Listing 4.11, you may still qualify for benefits if your condition significantly limits your ability to function. The SSA will consider the following factors:
Severity of symptoms: If CVI causes pain, swelling, or venous ulcers that don’t heal, it can limit your ability to stand, walk, or perform physical tasks. You’ll need to show that your symptoms are frequent and severe enough to interfere with daily functioning.
Functional limitations: Your condition must impact your ability to stand or walk for extended periods; lift, carry, or move objects; perform fine motor tasks; or maintain focus due to discomfort.
Impact on daily life: If CVI makes it difficult to perform daily tasks, such as, cooking, cleaning, driving, or getting dressed, then these limitations should be documented for your claim.
Failed treatment attempts: The SSA will want to know if you've pursued medical treatment and whether or not those efforts have been successful. If compression therapy, medications, or surgery have not improved your condition, then this could support your case.
Medical evidence: Strong medical evidence is essential for a successful claim. This should include a doctor's diagnosis, imaging results, treatment records, surgical interventions, and wound care records.
Non-medical evidence: In addition to medical records, the SSA may consider statements from family or caregivers, employer reports, and your own personal statement.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits
Applying for Social Security benefits involves several steps:
Collect medical evidence: Gather all medical records, imaging tests, treatment histories, and doctor's notes on disabling conditions.
Complete the application process: You can apply online at the SSA's website, over the phone, or at your local Social Security office.
Submit supporting documents: This includes work history, daily activity limitations, and additional medical or non-medical evidence that supports your case.
Wait for a decision: The SSA may request more information or schedule an independent consultative exam.
Get Help With Your Disability Claim
Navigating the disability application process can feel overwhelming, especially if you're managing a chronic condition like Chronic Venous Insufficiency. That's why working with an experienced disability lawyer can make a big difference.
A disability lawyer can help you gather strong medical and non-medical evidence, ensure that your application is accurately completed, and represent you if your claim is denied and goes to appeal.
At Impact Disability Law, we are here to help through every step of the process. If CVI is keeping you from working, contact us today for a free case evaluation to find out how we can help support your claim.
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