Yes, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) can potentially qualify as a disability if you meet the criteria listed under the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book Listing and satisfy the disability definition. POTS is not specified in the disabling list of medical conditions according to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Whether POTS qualifies as a disability depends on the severity of the symptoms and the impact they have on the individual’s ability to carry out daily activities, including work, school, or other tasks.

In some cases, POTS can be disabling, and individuals with severe symptoms may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Social Security Administration (SSA). 

However, each case is evaluated on an individual basis, and the eligibility for disability benefits depends on the specific circumstances of the individual’s situation.

What is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)?

POTS stands for “Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome”. It is a type of dysautonomia, which is a medical condition that affects the autonomic nervous system.

People with POTS experience a rapid heart rate and other symptoms when they stand up or change position from sitting or lying down. This happens because their body is not able to adjust to the change in posture, which leads to a decrease in blood flow to the brain and other organs.

Types Of POTS

There are several different types of POTS that are classified based on their underlying cause or associated medical condition. Some of the most common types of POTS include:

  • Primary: This type of POTS is also known as idiopathic POTS, which means that it has no clear underlying cause or associated medical condition. It is the most common type of POTS.
  • Secondary: This type of POTS is associated with an underlying medical condition or trigger. Some of the conditions that can cause secondary POTS include diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and certain neurological disorders.
  • Neuropathic: This type of POTS is caused by damage or dysfunction to the nerves that control blood vessel dilation and constriction.
  • Hyperadrenergic: This type of POTS is associated with an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to high levels of adrenaline and other stress hormones.
  • Low flow: This type of POTS is caused by reduced blood volume or blood flow, which can occur as a result of dehydration, blood loss, or other medical conditions.
  • Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST): While not technically a type of POTS, IST is a related condition that involves an abnormally high resting heart rate.

Each type of POTS can have slightly different symptoms, triggers, and treatment options. It is important to work with a healthcare professional to identify the specific type of POTS and develop an individualized treatment plan.

Can You Get Disability For POTS?

Yes, it is possible to qualify for disability benefits due to POTS if it prevents you from holding a job for at least 12 months or more.  You may apply for SSDI or SSI and the Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate your medical condition according to the Blue Book criteria. 

An applicant needs to complete the disability application form and submit it to SSA. They can fill out the form either through online means or offline means. Moreover, the supporting employment and medical documents will help to prove the inability to hold a job. If you make a mistake in filling out the form it may result in denial. Therefore, you must be extremely careful in filling out the application. 

If an applicant does not match the Blue Book’s criteria, they will be evaluated based on medical-vocational allowance (MVA). For MVA, an individual needs to prove that they are unable to earn substantial gainful activity (SGA). They are also required to fill out the residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment form which helps further to get disability for POTS. 

If you are over 50 and struggling with multiple disabling neuropathic conditions such as diabetes, lupus, Lyme disease, or celiac disease, you may easily qualify for the benefits. 

Eligibility Criteria For Getting Disability For POTS

As POTS does not have a specific listing in the Blue Book of the SSA, two sections that may include this kind of disorder are Neurological – Section 11.00, and Digestive System – Section 5.00. The SSA will analyze the applicant if they are physically unable to do work. Therefore, if you have medical records and your symptoms are severe it will help to seek disability benefits. 

POTS is one of a kind of dysautonomia that exhibits many symptoms. It is advisable that you must include documentation showing test results. The testing results may comprise a tilt table test that determines blood pressure and other heart fluctuations if any resulting in frequent changes in body position. Some other tests that may be presented as evidence are blood tests, urine tests, autonomic breathing tests, and digestive system tests. All these test reports must be provided to the SSA. 

Dysautonomia is not listed in the Compassionate Allowances Condition which suggests that disorders under this category will not be listed in automatic approval. They will be evaluated based on eligibility criteria and severity of symptoms.

In general, to qualify for disability benefits for POTS, an individual must provide evidence of the following:

  • A diagnosis of POTS from a qualified medical professional
  • Medical evidence of a persistent increase in heart rate of 30 beats per minute or more within ten minutes of standing up, or a heart rate that exceeds 120 beats per minute
  • Medical evidence of a drop in blood pressure within three minutes of standing up
  • Evidence of symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness that significantly affect the individual’s ability to work

Disability Insurance Benefits For POTS

Some applicants may choose disability insurance policies for POTS such as:

  • Short-term disability insurance
  • Long-term disability insurance

In a short-term disability insurance policy, you will be permitted to receive 60% to 70% of your income. The policy will last for 6 months to 1 year. For this insurance policy, you need to prove that you are unable to do any work and then you receive payment after 1 to 2 weeks. In case your disability has been lasting for more than 12 months, you may choose long-term disability aid.  

In long-term disability aid, the candidate is paid 60% of their income and is given for many years until they reach retirement age. However, the payments may also be limited depending on various factors.  

What Are The Symptoms Of POTS

POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) can cause a wide range of symptoms that can vary in severity from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms of POTS include:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing up or changing positions
  • Fainting or near-fainting episodes
  • Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
  • Tremors or shaking
  • Sweating
  • Anxiety
  • Cold or clammy skin
  • Blurred vision or visual disturbances

These symptoms can occur at any time but are often triggered by standing up, walking, or other physical activity. Symptoms can also worsen during hot weather or when the person is dehydrated.

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Applying

You must ask yourself questions before you move forward with your disability application for POTS. You may qualify for the benefits if your answer to the following questions is yes. 

  • Are you consulting a specialist for your POTS?
  • Do you have evidence of your diagnosis and symptoms of POTS?
  • Have I undergone any tests such as tilt tests, neuropsychological tests, or any other cardiovascular tests?
  • Are you experiencing disorganization of motor functions?
  • Are you struggling with other autoimmune disorders?

What To Do If Your POTS Meets The Eligibility Criteria Of SSA?

If your POTS meets the SSA’s criteria, you must begin with your application procedure as soon as possible. This is because the Social Security Disability Benefits process is complex and may take time. You must follow the guidelines mentioned below such as:

  • You must apply now if you have been diagnosed with POTS and have medical documentation. Furthermore, your symptoms are worsening even with regular treatment. 
  • You must consider waiting and applying later if your symptoms are improving with regular treatment and you can do work despite struggling with POTS.
  • You must not apply if you are working and earning above $1,550 per month and 

What To Do If Your POTS Does Not Meet The Eligibility Criteria Of SSA?

If you do not meet the criteria mentioned above, you can still apply for the benefits by keeping one thing in mind you have to be honest with your application form. 

In many cases, the application form in the initial phase gets denied. You must not get discouraged and consider taking help from an attorney who has experience in handling disability cases. 

What Type Of Benefits Should I Apply For?

There are two fundamental types of government programs that you can apply for:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Supplemental Insurance Income (SSI)

The applicants will be provided health insurance such as Medicare for SSDI and Medicaid for SSI. SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is beneficial for people who haven’t worked at all and have low assets and income. SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, is beneficial for people who have worked and paid taxes for at least 10 full years or more.

How To Apply For Disability Benefits For POTS?

To apply for disability benefits for POTS, you can follow these steps:

  • Check your eligibility: Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability benefits. You must have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability and have earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI.
  • Gather medical documentation: You will need to provide medical documentation that supports your POTS diagnosis, including medical records, test results, and any treatment plans you have been following.
  • Complete the application: You can apply for disability benefits online at the Social Security Administration’s website or by scheduling an appointment to apply in person at your local SSA office.
  • Wait for a decision: Once your application is submitted, the SSA will review your medical documentation and other information to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for disability benefits. This process can take several months or longer.
  • Appeal if necessary: If your initial application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You may want to consider working with a disability attorney to help with the appeals process.

How Much Is a Disability Check For POTS?

The average monthly Social Security disability check for disorders associated with POTS was $1,550.43. However, the maximum benefit amount for POTS is $3,822 per month for SSDI and $914 per month for SSI in the year 2024.

Want To File a Disability Claim For POTS? Consult a Disability Law Firm

It is important to note that the application process for disability benefits can be complex, and it may be helpful to consult with an experienced Social Security disability attorney to help with the process. They will help you to appeal in case your initial application gets rejected and will help in seeking the benefits.