What you have to prove
Show recurrent arrhythmias not related to reversible cause, resulting in uncontrolled recurrent episodes of cardiac syncope or near syncope despite prescribed treatment, documented by Holter monitor or other appropriate test, and coinciding with the syncope or near syncope.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Holter or event monitor recordings capturing the arrhythmia during symptoms, EKG tracings, cardiologist evaluations, medication history, and hospital records from syncope episodes.
Common misconceptions
Arrhythmia controlled by medication, pacemaker, or ICD usually doesn't qualify. Documentation must link the arrhythmia temporally to fainting or near-fainting episodes.
Didn't meet the listing? You can still qualify via a Medical-Vocational
Allowance — SSA's determination that your residual functional capacity, combined with
your age, education, and work history, leaves no jobs you can do. See our
appeals guide for what to do after an initial denial.