Qualifying for SSD
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) you must be suffering from a disabling condition or illness which prohibits you from taking part in Substantial Gainful Activities (SGA), and earning a living wage.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability (SSD) is not as simple as writing a letter to the Social Security Administration (SSA), but rather a difficult legal process in which you are responsible for providing all necessary information to the SSA to support your claim.
The SSA determines if a claim will be approved or denied based on the information in the Blue Book. The Blue Book lists a variety of disabilities, and their symptoms, that qualify claimants for disability benefits.
Respiratory Disorders is the third category in the Blue Book. Respiratory disorders and disabilities are broken down into a number of subcategories. Some of these include the following:
- Asthma
- Chronic Pulmonary Insufficiency (CPI)
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Lung Transplant
- Chronic Lung Infections
- Pneumoconiosis
- Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)
- Sleep Apnea
- Sleep Related Breathing Disorders
- Sarcoidosis
Certain disorders and resulting benefits may be further specified if certain symptoms are exhibited. For example, the SSA may consider you fully disabled if you are suffering from asthma with specific consequences. This goes for those who have been medically monitored for their asthma for at least a year, are undergoing medical treatment, and still require medical intervention for asthma attacks at least once every two months, or experience six or more asthma attacks a year.
How To Qualify Under A Respiratory Claim
To properly file a SSDI claim with the Social Security Administration, you need to provide medical records, proof of treatment(s), and possibly complete several medical tests determined by the SSA.
For example, if you file a claim under the respiratory condition of CPI, you will likely have to undergo blood, breathing, and other kinds of tests to prove your condition inhibits your ability to take care of yourself. Tests can be ordered by the SSA regardless of whether you have already completed them or not.
If you are undergoing any kind of treatment for your condition, you must continue it. Stopping medical treatment during the disability filing process or after receiving benefits can result in your claim being denied, or benefits being revoked.
It should also be noted that some things the SSA will take into account when reviewing a respiratory disability claim include how long the claimant has been diagnosed, how long the condition is expected to last, available treatment options, and responses to previously administered treatments.
SSDI Attorney – Stockton, CA
If you are interested in filing a disability claim with the Social Security Administration, but aren’t sure where to start, contact Peña & Bromberg today. We are your trusted SSDI and SSI lawyers in Stockton, Bakersfield, and Fresno, California. Call us at 559-439-9700.
