An unruptured aneurysm, a bulge in a blood vessel wall, presents a complex question when determining eligibility for disability benefits. The presence of the condition alone does not automatically qualify an individual as disabled under most legal frameworks. Qualification depends entirely on the aneurysm’s measurable severity, its location, and the functional limitations it imposes on a person’s daily life and ability to work. This determination focuses on objective medical evidence and the resulting restrictions. The risk of rupture, symptoms caused by the aneurysm’s mass effect, or the side effects of necessary treatment can profoundly impact work capacity.
Understanding the Legal Meaning of Disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability not by a medical diagnosis, but by a person’s inability to perform work. To qualify for benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), an applicant must have a medically determinable impairment that prevents them from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). This impairment must be expected to last for a continuous period of at least twelve months or result in death. SGA is defined by the SSA as work involving significant physical or mental activities for pay or profit.
If an individual’s monthly earnings exceed the SGA threshold, they are generally not considered disabled, regardless of their medical condition. The SSA’s focus is on the functional consequences of the aneurysm, meaning the symptoms must be severe enough to preclude almost all forms of gainful employment. This strict definition ensures that only those with the most debilitating conditions are approved for benefits.
Evaluation Criteria for Aneurysm Disability Claims
The SSA first evaluates an aneurysm claim by checking if it meets the specific medical criteria listed in the agency’s official “Blue Book.” For unruptured brain aneurysms, the evaluation often falls under the criteria for a “Vascular Insult to the Brain,” as the condition’s effects can mimic stroke-like symptoms. To meet this listing, the medical evidence must show severe, lasting neurological damage or functional loss. This includes documentation of persistent sensory or motor aphasia, which affects communication, for at least three months.
Alternatively, the condition may be considered an extreme limitation in the ability to move two extremities, causing severe difficulty with walking or using the arms. An aneurysm may also meet the listing if it results in marked limitations in physical functioning paired with marked limitations in at least one mental functioning domain, such as concentration, memory, or social interaction. For aneurysms located in the aorta or its major branches, the claim is reviewed under a separate cardiovascular listing. This requires objective medical imaging showing a dissection of the vessel wall that is not controlled despite prescribed medical treatment.
Functional Limitations and Work Capacity
If an unruptured aneurysm does not meet the strict criteria of a listing, the SSA proceeds to assess the claimant’s Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). The RFC is a detailed assessment of the maximum amount of work-related physical and mental activity a person can still perform despite their medically documented limitations. This assessment considers all symptoms, including those not severe enough to meet a listing, such as chronic headaches, severe fatigue, or cognitive deficits.
For a brain aneurysm, the RFC may include restrictions on lifting heavy objects, as straining can increase blood pressure and the risk of rupture. Mental limitations frequently noted include the inability to sustain attention for an eight-hour workday or difficulty tolerating work-related stress. The SSA then combines the RFC with vocational factors, such as the person’s age, education, and past work experience, to determine if they can perform their previous job or any other job existing in the national economy. If the assessment concludes no other work is possible, a disability finding is made.
Navigating the Disability Application Process
Successfully applying for disability benefits with an unruptured aneurysm relies heavily on comprehensive and objective medical evidence. Applicants must provide all relevant records, including CT scans, MRIs, angiography reports, and detailed notes from neurologists or cardiologists. These records must confirm the aneurysm’s existence, size, and location, as well as document all resulting symptoms and functional restrictions.
The support of the treating physician is valuable, and their clinical notes must clearly connect the aneurysm to the patient’s inability to perform work tasks. Because the SSA’s initial approval rate is low, applicants should be prepared for the possibility of a denial and the need to file subsequent appeals. The entire process, from initial application to final decision after appeal, can take a significant amount of time, often exceeding one year.