Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Emphysema
Emphysema is a progressive lung disease that causes shortness of breath. It is most commonly caused by smoking, but can also occur due to indoor and outdoor air pollution, and by a genetic form of COPD called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Emphysema causes damage to the lung tissue and alveoli or tiny air sacs. Over time, this damage causes the tiny air sacs to break and create one big air pocket instead of small ones. When the air sacs break, the big air pockets trap stale air in the damaged tissue and this stops oxygen from easily moving into your bloodstream. This makes it harder for you to breathe and for your body to get the oxygen it needs. Over three million people in the United States are living with emphysema. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 3.02 of the Blue Book.
Does Emphysema Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with emphysema do qualify, but they need to meet one of the below requirements of the SSA’s guidelines for this disability.
- Your medical condition satisfies the requirements of a listing in the Blue Book Listing of Impairments. Section 3.02 of the Blue Book addresses chronic respiratory conditions such as emphysema, and it explains the specific medical criteria you must meet to qualify for benefits.
- Your medical condition is equal in severity to a Blue Book listing. Even if you don’t meet the strict requirements elaborated in Section 3.02, you may still qualify for disability benefits by proving that your emphysema affects your life in a way that is equal to any other listing included in any of the 14 Sections of the Blue Book.
- You have a total disability expected to last 12 months or more (or cause your death), and you can’t work. You don’t need to meet a Blue Book listing to qualify for benefits if your medical records show you lack the residual functional capacity to engage in substantial gainful activity.
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 emphysema and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
