What Is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and is POTS a disability?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a debilitating autonomic disorder. The main symptoms is a significant increase in heart rate upon standing, often accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and fainting. Individuals with POTS typically experience an abnormal regulation of blood flow, which leads to symptoms made worse by upright posture and relieved by lying down. While the exact cause of POTS remains unclear, it is believed to involve dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. But is POTS a disability? Yes, POTS is a disability because it affects everyday activities and if it prevents someone from working then Social Security disability payments may be available to assist with daily expenses.
Types of POTS
POTS can manifest in several distinct forms:
Neuropathic POTS: Thought to be associated with a malfunction in the nerves that regulate blood vessel constriction and dilation.
Hyperadrenergic POTS: Characterized by excessive levels of norepinephrine in the bloodstream, leading to heightened sympathetic nervous system activity.
Secondary POTS: Occurs as a result of another medical condition, such as autoimmune disorders, diabetes, or Lyme disease.
Each type may require specific treatment approaches tailored to its underlying cause and symptoms.
Can You Get Disability For POTS?
Many individuals with POTS find themselves severely limited in their ability to work or perform daily activities due to the syndrome’s debilitating symptoms. However, qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits based on POTS can be challenging, as the condition’s impact can vary widely among individuals. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires thorough documentation and evidence to demonstrate that POTS meets their criteria for disability.
Eligibility Criteria For POTS Syndrome Disability
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits due to POTS, applicants must meet the SSA’s definition of disability:
Severity: The symptoms of POTS must be severe enough to significantly impair the individual’s ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA).
Duration: The condition must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
Applicants must provide medical evidence demonstrating the severity and persistence of their symptoms, along with functional limitations that prevent them from engaging in substantial gainful activity.
Disability Insurance Benefits For POTS
Social Security Disability benefits provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling medical condition like POTS. SSDI is available to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, while SSI provides assistance based on financial need. Both programs require applicants to submit detailed medical records, work history, and other supporting documentation to substantiate their disability claim.
Getting A POTS Diagnosis
A formal diagnosis of POTS is essential for pursuing disability benefits. Diagnosis typically involves:
Clinical Evaluation: Assessment of symptoms and medical history by a healthcare professional familiar with autonomic disorders.
Tilt Table Test: A diagnostic test where the individual’s heart rate and blood pressure are monitored while lying flat on a table that is then tilted upright.
Other Tests: Additional tests may include blood tests, autonomic function testing, and monitoring symptoms during controlled conditions.
A thorough diagnosis not only confirms the presence of POTS but also provides the necessary medical evidence to support a disability claim.
Obtaining Medical Evidence of Your POTS Symptoms
Gathering comprehensive medical evidence is crucial when applying for Social Security Disability benefits for POTS. This evidence may include:
Medical Records: Documentation of clinical evaluations, diagnostic tests, and treatments received for POTS.
Physician Statements: Statements from healthcare providers detailing the severity of symptoms, functional limitations, and prognosis.
Functional Assessments: Evaluations of the individual’s ability to perform daily activities, work-related tasks, and physical exertion.
Test Results: Results of diagnostic tests such as tilt table tests, autonomic function testing, and laboratory studies supporting the diagnosis of POTS.
Submitting detailed and up-to-date medical evidence increases the likelihood of a successful disability claim, demonstrating the impact of POTS on the individual’s ability to work and perform daily activities.
Treatments for POTS
Treating Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) often requires a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual’s specific symptoms and underlying causes.
Managing Symptoms with Lifestyle Changes
Managing symptoms of POTS effectively often involves a combination of self-care strategies and medical treatments. One of the most important self-care measures is maintaining proper hydration and a high-salt diet, which helps increase blood volume and prevent dehydration—a common trigger for POTS symptoms.
Initial treatment strategies typically include lifestyle and dietary changes aimed at improving blood flow and reducing symptoms. Increasing fluid and salt intake can help expand blood volume and stabilize blood pressure, which is crucial for managing POTS.
Elevating the head of the bed and using compression stockings can assist in reducing blood pooling in the legs and alleviating symptoms.
Regular physical activity, particularly exercises that improve cardiovascular fitness and promote blood circulation, is also recommended.
Is POTS a Disability with Treatment?
Individuals are also advised to avoid prolonged standing and to engage in activities that involve frequent position changes, such as sitting or lying down when feeling faint. The inability to stand for long periods of time and the need to lay down at various times throughout the day often interfere with a person’s inability to work. This can be the basis for a claim for disability benefits for POTS.
Additionally, stress management techniques, including relaxation exercises and mindfulness practices, may help reduce the impact of POTS symptoms by addressing the stress-induced exacerbation of autonomic dysfunction. If stress is a consistent trigger for your symptoms, then stress caused by work may also support a claim for disability.
Medication for POTS
In addition to these lifestyle modifications, medication may be prescribed to address more severe symptoms or underlying causes. Commonly used medications include beta-blockers to manage heart rate, fludrocortisone (Florinef) to increase blood volume, and midodrine (Orvaten) to constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure. For some patients, the use of more specialized medications like ivabradine or pyridostigmine may be considered depending on the specific characteristics of their POTS.
A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, neurologists, and physical therapists, frequently develops and oversees treatment plans to ensure a thorough approach to managing the condition. Regular follow-ups and adjustments to the treatment regimen are essential to address the evolving nature of POTS and its impact on daily life.
Hiring a Raleigh Disability Attorney Can Help
If you or someone you know suffers from POTS and can no longer work, we can help you get the benefits that you deserve. We work with clients with POTS throughout North Carolina. Please contact us by calling us or starting a free case evaluation so that you can speak with one of our attorneys about your claim.
