If you are suffering from asthma, can you apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) lists this condition in its respiratory system category, but you must provide evidence of asthma in order to receive SSD benefits.
About asthma
When you breathe in, air flows into your bronchial tubes. These are passageways that must remain open in order for air to reach your lungs. Asthma is an inflammatory condition that causes the muscles surrounding the airways to tighten. Swelling results and causes the airways to narrow making it difficult to breathe.
Supporting medical evidence
If you expect to be unable to work for at least a year and you wish to apply for SSD, the SSA will want confirmation of your disability from reliable medical sources. The kind of medical evidence you should submit along with your claim for SSD benefits includes:
– Documentation indicating that your asthma attacks resulted in visits to the ER or admittance to the hospital
– Results of testing for spirometry
– Records of the treatment given for each asthmatic episode
– Your response to treatment
– Your compliance with ongoing treatment
Keep in mind that you may need to provide the SSA with medical records going back at least one year so you can demonstrate that you meet the disability definition.
Your return to work
While there is no cure for asthma, you can control it with proper treatment and medication. However, remember that in order to receive SSD benefits, you must show that due to this condition you are unable to work for at least 12 consecutive months. If approved for benefits, you can also expect the SSA to grant you back pay.
