Social Security Disability and Respiratory Disorders
Our lungs, nose and trachea exchange gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) in and out of our body. The internal structure of the lung is often compared to a tree with extending branches getting smaller and smaller. The walls of the branches thin, allowing gasses to pass in and out of the blood.
Social Security will look at pulmonary function tests to determine how a lung disorder limits functioning (the ability to breathe).
For asthma, however, Social Security will look at the frequency of attacks (once every 2 months) despite treatment.
For sleep apnea, Social Security will consider the condition disabling if it causes cor pulmonale (change in structure and function of the right ventricle of the heart) or organic mental disorders.
Sleep apnea is often cured by the use of a CPAP machine. If you are unable to use your CPAP, make sure to discuss this with your doctor, so that your treatment records reflect failed treatment rather than non-compliance with treatment.
Conditions covered under Listing of Impairments include
- chronic pulmonary insufficiency
- asthma
- cystic fibrosis
- chronic pulmonary vascular hypertension
- sleep apnea
- lung transplant.
Helpful Questions:
Asthma
- What is the frequency and duration of your asthma attacks?
- Do you sometimes take a short course of steroids (like Prednisone)?
Other breathing disorders
- Have you had pulmonary function tests?
- Do you smoke?
Respiratory Disorders & Social Security disability
The Law offices of Suzanne Villalon-Hinojosa are located in Schertz, San Antonio and Edinburg Texas, serving all disabled Texans.
Copyright 2010 Law Offices of Suzanne Villalon-Hinojosa: Texas Social Security Disability. All Rights Reserved.
1-800-481-0302In the United States, about 12 million people suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
It is second only to heart disease as a cause of disability that forces people to stop working.
