Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Mycobacterial, Mycotic, and Other Chronic Lung Infections
A lung infection happens when a virus, bacteria, or fungus gets into your lungs and causes inflammation. Occasionally, lung infections can last a long time and cause a variety of debilitating symptoms. These are called chronic lung infections. Two of the more commonly disabling forms of chronic lung infections are mycobacterial and mycotic.
Mycobacterial lung infections, also known as Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infections, are caused by bacterial elements. It often first shows as a persistent, often dry, cough. In addition to the circulatory problems it can cause, symptoms such as fever, weight loss, malabsorption, and diarrhea are sometimes associated with the condition. Mycobacterial infections are often treated with antibiotics.
Mycotic lung infections are similar in effect, but are caused by a fungal source within the lungs. Mycotic infections are more common amongst those who live in hot, humid climates and are often caused by inhalation of fungal spores. Often, Mycotic lung infections occur as a result of taking antibiotics. This is because antibiotics don’t distinguish between “good bacteria” and “bad bacteria” in the body, eliminating both. In a healthy system, good bacteria would fight the Mycotic infection brought on by fungi.
Since virtually all of the body’s functions depend on oxygen supplied from the lungs, a loss of lung function can have wide ranging effects on the whole body and its ability to perform daily tasks. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 3.00 of the Blue Book.
Do Mycobacterial, Mycotic, and Other Chronic Lung Infections Qualify for Disability?
In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits due to mycobacterial, mycotic or other chronic lung infections, you will need to prove to the SSA that your disabling condition completely prevents you from performing any work activity and that your disability is expected to last at least twelve months or longer. In order to do this, your doctor will need to keep detailed records of your medical history, infection outbreaks and treatment histories. These records will play a vital role in your claim for disability benefits from the SSA.
In addition to your medical records, the answers that you provide on your residual functional capacity form will also play a role in whether or not you are approved for Social Security disability benefits. When filling out your disability claim forms, make sure that you answer all of the questions thoroughly.
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 a chronic lung infection and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
