Obtaining Disability Benefits for Respiratory Diseases and Disorders

Respiratory diseases are often associated with a difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, inability to exercise or maintain physical stress, and other problems with the lungs. If you have one of the following respiratory diseases or disorders, you know how difficult it can be on a day-to-day basis:

– Bronchitis
– Asthma
– Emphysema
– Tuberculosis
– Pneumonia
– Cystic Fibrosis
– Sleep Apnea
– Lung cancer
– Mesothelioma
The federal government understands that these conditions can interfere with your ability to obtain work and perform the necessary functions of a job. Therefore, in some situations, those who suffer from these respiratory diseases and disorders are eligible to collect Social Security Disability payments.

How Do I Qualify For Disability Benefits for My Respiratory Disease or Disorder?
If you have a qualifying respiratory disease or disorder, you may qualify for disability benefits based on that disorder alone or in conjunction with other ailments you may have. The determining factor is how severely the disease or disorder affects your life and how long you have suffered from it.
To qualify on the basis of the disorder alone, the disorder will have to meet two criteria: severity and duration. Severity refers to how “bad” the symptoms of the disease are and how much they impact your daily life. If it is a mild case, the Social Security Administration may not grant disability benefits solely on that disorder. However, in more severe cases, the Administration may determine that it is sufficient in and of itself.
The next requirement is the duration requirement. Generally, a respiratory disease or disorder must have a document history in order to make an applicant eligible for disability benefits. Because of this, it is critically important that you keep a well documented history of the diagnosis and treatment of your respiratory disease or disorder.
Can I Qualify if I Have a Mild Case but also Suffer From Other Problems?
If you have a milder case of one of the above diseases or disorders, you may still be able to qualify if you have difficulty performing the necessary tasks of a job due to other illnesses or ailments you may have. For example, if you do not meet the severity or duration requirements under the Respiratory listing, but you still cannot perform the tasks of even a sedentary job due to your illness, the Social Security Administration may determine that you are eligible for benefits.
What Can I Do To Start the Application Process?
If you suffer from a respiratory disease or disorder and believe that you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you should speak to an attorney immediately. The application process can be a long and confusing one. Contact attorney Ted Smith at Ted Smith Law today at, 765-644-8410.
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