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Social Security Disability Benefits for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Social Security Disability AttorneyChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a collective term that refers to several lung diseases. It causes damage to your lungs over time, blocks airflow, and creates breathing difficulties. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two most common medical conditions associated with COPD. More than 24 million people suffer from COPD in the United States, of which only 13 million are reported cases, according to the American Lung Association.

There are several symptoms of this disease that make performing daily activities and workplace duties difficult, such as:

  • Chest tightness or discomfort
  • Constant fever and coughing
  • Fainting or dizziness
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Shortness of breath during physical activity or even when at rest
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Wheezing

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with COPD, they can claim Social Security Disability benefits to treat their medical condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides aid to people suffering from COPD through different assistance programs.

Claiming Disability Benefits for COPD

The requirements of getting approved for disability benefits for different kinds of chronic respiratory disorders are laid out in a disability listing formed by the SSA. If you meet those requirements, you will be considered eligible to receive disability benefits. However, if your condition has not become severe enough to fulfill the listing requirements, you may still acquire the benefits by proving that your COPD affects your ability to breathe, making it difficult for you to work at any kind of job.

COPD Disability Listing

It is essential for you to be diagnosed with COPD to be considered eligible for benefits. For this, you will have to get a lung function test done by a consulting medical professional that has been hired by the SSA. The test must show that you have very limited airflow. This can be achieved through one of the following tests:

  • A DLCO test that determines the amount of oxygen passing into the blood
  • A spirometry test that measures your Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1) value or Forced Vital Capacity (FVC).
  • An oxygen saturation test
  • An ABG test that measures PaO2 and PaCO2 in the bloodstream.

The listing for chronic pulmonary insufficiency by the SSA has different tables that show the ranges of lung function values based on age, gender, and height for the various tests mentioned above. Alternatively, if you have been hospitalized at least three times in the last year due to complications or exacerbations of your COPD, each lasting for 48 hours or more and reoccurring 30 or less days apart, you will qualify for SSD benefits.

If you have been diagnosed with advanced COPD or your condition makes it difficult to breathe while performing your work duties, you should talk to an experienced Social Security attorney and determine your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. Harold W. Conick & Associates Ltd has been successfully representing clients for over 30 years to get their rightful benefits. Contact us today at (800) 608-8881 to schedule a consultation with our Social Security disability attorney.