Disability Involving the Respiratory System
If you are applying for Social Security disability insurance or SSI disability benefits based on a breathing disorder, you need to do more than state symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, and coughing. You'll have to provide Social Security with medical evidence from your doctor showing that you have had poor pulmonary function test results or frequent hospitalizations for acute breathing problems. For some lung problems, Social Security will want to see 12 months of doctor's notes and hospital records. The articles below cover the most common types of respiratory problems that cause disability.
If you have severe symptoms of asthma or COPD that keep you out of work for at least one year, you may qualify for disability.
Emphysema that causes poor lung function often qualifies for disability benefits.
Sleep apnea is a fairly common condition where a person stops breathing briefly while sleeping.
Written by a former SSA medical consultant, Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability discusses what you need to do to get disability for over a dozen different types of breathing disorders.
Nolo's book covers Medicare and Medicaid rules for persons with disabilities.
Fill out this form to arrange a consultation with a disability lawyer in your area.
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