Can You Get Total & Permanent Disability for Heart Disease?

1 November 2024 | TPD Claims

Life with heart disease can be difficult. It often requires changes in activity and lifestyle, which can make it difficult or even impossible to do your job or perform work of any kind. You may be able to lodge a TPD heart disease claim if you are facing this situation.

At TPD Compensation Lawyers, we help clients pursue Total and Permanent Disability entitlements for a wide range of illnesses and injuries. We provide expert legal counsel and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

For a FREE review of your TPD heart disease claim, call TPD Compensation Lawyers at 03 9966 7188 today. We serve clients throughout Victoria from our office in Melbourne.

What Is Heart Disease?

The term ‘heart disease’ refers to several different conditions affecting the heart:

Coronary Heart Disease

Also known as coronary artery disease, it occurs when blockages in one or more arteries restrict blood flow to the heart. Symptoms may include:

  • Chest pain
  • Feelings of tightness or pressure in the chest
  • Shortness of breath
  • Referred pain in the jaw, neck, arm, or back
  • Heart attack, if an artery is fully blocked

When people talk about heart disease, they are usually referring to coronary heart disease. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack, dial 000 straight away.

Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)

With heart arrhythmias, your heart beats too slow, too fast, or at an abnormal tempo. These issues may signal that something is wrong with the electrical system that governs the rhythms of your heartbeat.

Potential symptoms of a heart arrhythmia include:

  • Heart palpitations
  • Racing heart rate
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Light-headedness
  • Fainting

Heart Valve Disease

The valves of the heart keep blood flowing in the right direction. Disease of the heart valves can lead to dysfunction of the way they open and shut, limiting the flow of blood throughout the body and putting strain on the heart.

Heart valve disease may not have any symptoms until the condition has progressed to advanced stages, where the symptoms may include:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain in the chest
  • Swelling of the ankles and/or feet

Congenital Heart Defects

People who are born with heart conditions are known to have congenital heart defects. These individuals may not experience symptoms till later in life, while others may have issues when they are very young and then require re-treatment as they get older.

Australia’s Heart Foundation lists some of the most common congenital heart conditions and the symptoms most commonly associated with them.

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that can cause the heart to become enlarged, too thick, or stiff. All of these issues make it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy may include:

  • Trouble breathing, particularly with physical activity
  • Chest pain
  • Swelling of the legs, abdomen, and/or veins in the neck
  • Light-headedness and fainting/near-fainting
  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Palpitations and fluttering of the heart

Pericarditis

Pericarditis occurs when there is swelling of the membrane that surrounds the heart (the pericardium). When pericarditis is caused by an infection, you may experience symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, and muscle aches. Other potential signs of pericarditis include:

  • Sharp pains in the centre of your chest
  • Difficulty catching your breath
  • Fatigue

Heart Failure

If left untreated, the conditions discussed above can lead to heart failure. Heart failure may also occur as a result of high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and unhealthy habits.

The symptoms of heart failure are similar to those of heart disease. It can lead to heart attack and ischaemic stroke (when too little blood reaches the brain).


Heart disease is the most common cause of death in Australia and worldwide. It claims the lives of one in four Aussies. Ongoing research and improvements in treatment options enable many people with heart disease to live longer and enjoy fulfilling lives, but their ability to work may be impacted.

If you are no longer able to work due to heart problems, you may be entitled to a Total and Permanent Disability payout. Speak to a knowledgeable TPD lawyer for help understanding your insurance cover and initiating a TPD heart disease claim.

Is Heart Disease Considered a Permanent Disability?

Heart disease may be considered a Total and Permanent Disability if it meets the definition used by your insurer. This is the central question in any TPD claim, and it can be difficult to answer on your own.

Insurers define TPD in several different ways:

Any Occupation

Most super insurers will determine if your condition qualifies for TPD based on whether you are able to work in ‘Any Occupation’. They will examine your background, education, and training and compare it to the limitations you face due to heart disease. If you are able to work in a limited capacity or the insurer believes you may be suited for a different occupation, your TPD claim will be denied.

Own Occupation

TPD insurance purchased outside of your super fund may use a different, less restrictive definition of Total and Permanent Disability. Known as ‘Own Occupation’ cover, claimants may be entitled to TPD under this definition if heart disease prevents them from working in their prior occupation only.

Activities of Daily Living

Finally, some TPD insurers define Total and Permanent Disability in light of their effect on ‘Activities of Daily Living’. To obtain compensation, you will need to prove that heart disease prevents you from performing daily tasks like eating, toileting, getting out of bed and into bed, etc.


An experienced lawyer can review the definition of Total and Permanent Disability used by your insurer and help you lodge a TPD heart disease claim. This includes gathering strong evidence of the disability that proves your entitlement.

Can You Work with Heart Conditions?

Heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions can make work extremely challenging. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and chest pain may all interfere with job-related duties. If you suffer a heart attack or stroke, you may be physically and psychologically incapable of returning to work—especially if you work in a physically demanding profession that can trigger another cardiac event.

Before applying for a TPD claim, you will need to have been unable to work for 3–6 months. This is the waiting period for TPD claims. Once the waiting period is satisfied, you can submit an application for a Total and Permanent Disability benefit.

Do You Have a TPD Heart Disease Claim?

Some level of disability is common in people with heart disease. It can affect your day-to-day routine, your ability to work, your leisure activities and hobbies, and much more. A lump sum TPD payment can help offset the costs of heart disease, but obtaining the compensation you deserve isn’t easy.

TPD Compensation Lawyers are committed to helping clients get the entitlements they deserve through their superannuation fund and other insurance cover. We recognise the toll heart disease can take on your physical and mental health, not to mention what it can do to your finances. Our team has the experience and knowledge to lodge a successful TPD heart disease claim on your behalf.

Call TPD Compensation Lawyers at 03 9966 7188 for immediate assistance. With our No Win, No Fee policy, your initial consultation is FREE and you pay nothing until we obtain a favourable outcome for you.