Social Security Disability for Respiratory Illness

Breathing problems are a common reason for people to apply for disability benefits. Respiratory disorders that prevent proper lung function include COPD illnesses such as bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema; infections like tuberculosis and pneumonia; hereditary diseases like cystic fibrosis; sleep-related disorders like sleep apnea; and cancers, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. For most of these disorders, the SSA awards disability based on the results of breathing tests. For episodic disorders like asthma and recurrent infections, the SSA will look at how frequently you have episodes that require medical care.

Respiratory disorders may be evaluated under the 3.00 category of Adult Listings: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/3.00-Respiratory-Adult.htm

Even if your condition does not meet the criteria for disability benefits under the Blue Book guidelines, you could still qualify under the medical-vocational allowance. The medical-vocational allowance is a series of guidelines that will determine whether you are able to work based on your condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider your age, educational background, work experience and work history, along with your residual function capacity (RFC) to determine whether you can perform the demands of your job. Your RFC establishes the maximum amount of work you can do given the limitations of your condition.

The SSA will also consider the “non-exertional” demands of work (mental, postural, manipulative, visual, communicative, and environmental) and exertional demands of work (walking, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling) to determine whether you could perform work, either under modifications for your condition or in a different position entirely. If you are found to be unable to work under the medical-vocational allowance, you could qualify for disability benefits.

Contact our office today if you or anyone you know would like to learn more about qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits.

By: Joyce Trudeau of Premier Disability Services, LLC®