Cor Pulmonale Caused by Chronic Pulmonary Vascular Hypertension
This is generally caused by lung disease. This disorder puts high strain and pressure on the right side of the heart because it has to pump blood against the high pressures in the blood vessels of the lungs. This will often cause the heart to increase in size and potentially fail. In order to qualify the claimant must be able to document this high pressure on the right side of the heart. Complete failure is not necessary to qualify for disability benefits .
For this condition to be severe enough to meet the Social Security Administration's listing the claimant must have:
- Average pulmonary artery pressure greater than 40 mm Hg; OR
- Arterial hypoxemia – low arterial oxygen levels; OR
- Heart failure associated with chronic heart failure.