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What respiratory disorders qualify for SSD benefits?

On Behalf of | Jan 25, 2018 | Social Security Disability Benefits For Illnesses

A respiratory disorder can be debilitating to such an extent that it impairs an individual’s ability to work, resulting in lost wages and an the potential inability to make ends meet. Those workers who are unable to remain on the job may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. These benefits will not replace all the income or wages lost due to disease, but they will help to relieve some of the financial stress created by wage loss.

To qualify for SSD benefits, your respiratory disorder must fall with the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) specific guidelines for such injuries. Before benefits will be approved, a respiratory disorder must meet certain thresholds of severity. For example, those with asthma must have a forced expiration volume (FEV) that is below a level that is cross-referenced with height and gender.

Most respiratory disorders that qualify for SSD benefits are chronic in nature. These include asthma (as noted above), cystic fibrosis, chronic pulmonary hypertension, lung transplants, or respiratory failure. Other chronic respiratory disorders include asbestosis and lung cancers. Such illnesses are evaluated based on whether exhaling is obstructed, inhaling is restricted, or interference with diffusion inside the lungs.

When an individual is already having difficulty simply breathing, the application process for SSDI benefits for illnesses can feel overwhelming. A seasoned lawyer can assist in relieving some of the stress associated with the application process. They can help to ensure that all the details and supporting documentation are in order, so that the affected individual can get the financial assistance they need as soon as possible.

Source: SSA.gov, “3.00 Respiratory Disorders – Adult,” accessed on Jan. 23, 2018

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