Problems in the lungs can impede your breathing. Asthma is one of these conditions in which a person’s airways become inflamed, narrow and swell because of extra mucus. It can be a minor inconvenience or impact your daily life to the point you cannot work or even go outside.
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects over 25 million people in the U.S. and keeps some people from working stable jobs. If you have asthma and have trouble holding down a job because of it, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance.
How SSDI works
The Social Security Administration has a Blue Book that lists the categories and specifications of each medical condition and helps the SSA determine if a person has a severe, long-term illness that qualifies for SSDI benefits. The Blue Book lists asthma under its adult respiratory disorders.
Qualifying for SSDI benefits
The SSA lists information concerning the requirements you must have to qualify for benefits. For asthma, you must show your FEV value. Also, you must provide documentation of any complications that required a 48-hour hospitalization to include time spent in the emergency room.
In addition, to get ready for the application process, assemble the medical records and other information to prove the severity of your condition.
Medical records should include:
- Physical examination results
- X-rays
- Pulmonary function tests
- Prescriptions
- Lab test results
- Medical history
Get your doctors and therapists on board to back you for your application. Be aware that the SSA may deny your application, but you can appeal. With income and insurance from SSDI, you may get back to normalcy.
