Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Pneumoconiosis
Pneumoconiosis, also referred to as “black lung disease” or “popcorn lung,” is a lung disease that affects miners, builders, and other workers who breathe in certain kinds of dust on the job. Over time, the dust gathers in your lungs, and you may find it hard to get enough air. When the specks of dust build up in your lungs, the immune system — your body’s defense against germs — swings into action. It sees the dust particles as invaders and tries to destroy them. Your lung tissue often gets inflamed during this process. As a result, scar tissue may form in your lungs, just as it would after an injury. Since scar tissue is less stretchy than regular lung tissue, it may become harder for you to take a full, deep breath.
There’s no cure for pneumoconiosis, but treatments can make it easier for you to breathe and go about your regular activities. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 3.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Pneumoconiosis Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with pneumoconiosis do qualify, but they need to meet one of the requirements of the SSA’s guidelines for this disability below:
- Loss of lung capacity
- Insufficient exchange of gases within the lungs
To prove that you have one or both of the above criteria, you must provide specific test results, including the following:
- Forced expiratory volume test
- Forced vital capacity test
- A test of the sufficiency of gas exchanges within the lungs using diffusing capacity
Your test results must show that you meet specific levels in order to qualify for a disability. In addition, it is important to provide the SSA with your medical history, a record of your examinations, and the imaging results of your lungs. The SSA specifically requires x-ray results and CT scans to provide evidence of the lung damage caused by pneumoconiosis.
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 pneumoconiosis and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
