Proving disability for claimant’s with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (“POTS”)

Recently, we were able to secure Social Security Disability benefits for our client with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS. Based on the medical records and a written submission, benefits were awarded without the need for a hearing by an Administrative Law Judge.

POTS is an autonomic condition, or rather a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. In many cases, this results in an increased heart rate when an individual goes from a seated position to a standing position. Patients often complain of lightheadedness and may even pass out, an incident known as syncope.  In this case, the client experienced lightheadedness and syncopal episodes just when sitting upright for a prolonged period of time. The client also experienced severe chronic fatigue as a secondary condition. Due to the severity of the client’s POTS, she had to remain in a reclined position with her feet elevated in order to control her symptoms. Her ability to exercise or be active was severely limited and she became deconditioned. She was tired constantly and slept for 10-14 hours a day without ever feeling refreshed or renewed when she awoke.

We were able to combine her medical records, with notes from her physicians, results of autonomic testing and reports of her daily life activities to draft a written submission to the Social Security Administration and convince them to issue an award of benefits. Rather than waiting 9-12 months for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge and then waiting for a written decision from the Judge, we were able to secure benefits in a much shorter time. Now, the client is collecting benefits and focusing on her health rather than worrying about her Social Security.

This case is an example of how an experienced attorney can improve your likelihood of receiving benefits and streamline the process to avoid the delay of a hearing.

Attorney Jennifer J. Allen is an associate attorney with Alan C. Olson & Associates, S.C. If you have any questions about Social Security Disability, please contact her at [email protected].

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