Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that causes sticky, thick mucus to build up in your organs, blocking and damaging them. Many people think of CF as a lung disease because it affects your lungs and airways, which can make it hard to breathe and cause frequent infections. But it’s called cystic fibrosis because it also causes cysts and scarring (fibrosis) in your pancreas. This damage, plus the thick mucus, can block ducts that release digestive enzymes, making it hard to get nutrients from your digestive tract. CF can also affect your liver, sinuses, intestines and sex organs.
People with cystic fibrosis are born with it. It’s a lifelong illness that gets more severe over time. Most people with CF don’t live as long as people without it. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 3.04 of the Blue Book.
Does Cystic Fibrosis Qualify for Disability?
The SSA recognizes cystic fibrosis as a serious impairment in its Blue Book under Section 3.04. To qualify for automatic approval of disability benefits an applicant must provide evidence of one of the following:
- A breathing test (Spirometry test) result that indicates a low FEV1. or
- At least three hospitalizations of any length within the previous 12 months, occurring at least 30 days apart; or
- Collapsed lung caused by CF and requiring chest tube placement; or
- Respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilation with BiPAP, or a combination of the two treatments, for a minimum of 48 hours, or 72 hours after surgery; or
- Pulmonary hemorrhage with vascular to control bleeding; or
- A low oxygen reading (SpO2) of 89% or below or
- Two of the following serious complications:
- Pulmonary exacerbation requiring 10 consecutive days of intravenous antibiotic treatment,
- Pulmonary hemorrhage requiring hospitalization of any length,
- Weight loss requiring daily supplemental enteral nutrition, or
- CF related diabetes requiring insulin therapy for at least 90 consecutive days.
If you cannot meet the listing requirements, you may still qualify if your functional limitations prevent you from doing any job.
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 cystic fibrosis and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
