Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Asthma
Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out, and shortness of breath. Asthma affects more than 25 million people in the U.S. currently. For some sufferers, asthma is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
Asthma can’t be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Because asthma often changes over time, it’s important that you work with your doctor to track your signs and symptoms and adjust your treatment as needed. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 3.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Asthma Qualify for Disability?
Though asthma can be a serious medical condition, it’s important to note that just being diagnosed isn’t enough to qualify for disability benefits. Instead, you’ll have to prove how far along your illness has progressed and how your asthma and its treatments impact your ability to work.
Your asthma may qualify for disability if:
- The amount of air you can exhale during a forced breath is at or below the SSA’s approved level.
OR
- You’ve been hospitalized three times in the last 12 months.
- Each hospitalization occurred at least 30 days apart and lasted at least 48 hours.
If you’ve experienced any or all of the above, your condition is likely severe enough to be classified as a disability by the SSA. In that case, they’ll consider your asthma a disability for one year after your most recent hospitalization. After that time, the SSA will reevaluate your symptoms to determine the best path forward for your situation.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
