It depends on the severity of your condition. If you have worked manufacturing or industrial jobs in Pennsylvania, you understand the toll dust and fumes at the workplace can take on your lungs. Over time, this exposure can lead to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD covers several long-term respiratory conditions that can block your airflow and make it hard to breathe, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
If you have this condition, you know that simple tasks such as walking or lifting a box can leave you gasping for air. Unfortunately, a doctor’s diagnosis is not enough to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. You also need to prove that your COPD is severe enough to stop you from earning a substantial income.
Do you meet the requirements?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a manual called the “Blue Book” to decide if your condition is severe enough to qualify. For COPD, they will typically focus on the rules under Listing 3.02 (Chronic Respiratory Disorders).
According to this listing, you must pass certain medical tests to be eligible. One such record is a spirometry test, which measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast you can breathe it out. If your test numbers are low enough based on your height, age and gender, you may qualify for benefits.
You may also qualify if you have frequent, serious complications. Specifically, the SSA looks for three hospitalizations within a 12-month period due to breathing attacks. To count, each hospitalization (including ER time) must last at least 48 hours and occur at least 30 days apart.
Evidence you may need to submit
Because the SSA’s standards are so high, you may need to submit medical documents such as:
- Pulmonary function tests, specifically results showing your FEV1 and FVC scores
- Treatment and prescription history
- Hospital discharge summaries
- Work history details, including a list of the physical requirements of your past jobs
A complete application requires showing you cannot perform your past work. For most applicants, especially those under age 50, you must also show that you cannot perform any other type of work available in the national economy.
Overcoming common application hurdles
Applying for benefits with breathing issues can be difficult. Many claims are denied because the file lacks specific test results or details about what triggers your symptoms at work. To help ensure that your application truly reflects the severity of your COPD, consider seeking professional legal advice.
