Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Chronic Pulmonary Insufficiency
Chronic pulmonary insufficiency results when your lungs take in too little oxygen when you inhale or expel too little carbon dioxide when you exhale. The result is that your body does not get the oxygen it needs to operate efficiently, which can cause symptoms to manifest, such as shortness of breath, coughing, mucus production, and chest pain. These effects can often be severe, limiting your ability to work or even carry out normal daily living activities. The potential causes of chronic pulmonary insufficiency are many, and can include exposure to harmful chemicals or smoke, birth defects, emphysema, air pollution, and more.
The prognosis for CRI depends on the underlying cause and severity. With proper treatment, many people with CRI can manage their symptoms and live full and active lives. However, some individuals may experience complications such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or respiratory failure. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 3.02 of the Blue Book.
Does Chronic Pulmonary Insufficiency Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with chronic pulmonary insufficiency do qualify, but they need to meet one or more of the SSA’s following four criteria for this condition:
- Your FEV1, or volume of air exhaled per second, must be lower than the accept figures for your height and gender;
- Your FVC, or the amount of air you can exhale after taking the deepest breath possible, is lower than a the accepted levels for someone of your gender and height;
- You have a chronic impairment of gas exchange—and have DLCO, ABG, or SpO2test results that prove it; or
- You have had complications from your condition requiring at least three hospitalizations in the last 12 months. The SSA requires that each stay occurred at least 30 days apart and must have lasted at least 48 hours.
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 chronic pulmonary insufficiency and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
