Social Security is there to help people who suffer from disabilities and can no longer work. Someone with lung disease, for example, may not have the energy or ability to work a normal job. They may be going through regular medical treatments and be ill enough that holding a job isn’t reasonable.
The Social Security Blue Book does go over respiratory disorders and how it treats them. Some of the chronic and serious conditions listed in the Social Security Blue Book include:
- Asthma
- Cystic fibrosis
- Bronchiectasis
- Chronic pulmonary hypertension
- Lung transplants
…as well as several others.
If you have a condition that affects your respiratory system and cannot work as a result of it, it may be worth reviewing this section of the Social Security Blue Book to see if you may qualify based on your diagnosis. Even if you don’t see your particular illness in this section, it is possible that you could still qualify, so in that case, it’s a good idea to speak with someone familiar with making Social Security Disability Insurance claims and the laws that apply to them.
Can you get SSDI if you can work sometimes?
The trouble with many kinds of lung conditions is that they are not always progressive. Some will be severe for a few months or years at a time followed by a period of time when inflammation, flairs or other issues resolve temporarily or permanently.
If you can work but not enough to support yourself, then it may still be reasonable to seek SSDI. For example, if you expect this condition to continue impacting your work for the next 12 months, you may be able to qualify for SSDI now even if this is reassessed in the future.
Getting SSDI can help you get the care you need
Having SSDI may help you get the appropriate care that you need, since you can focus on getting medical care rather than worrying about trying to work or trying to find a job that you can do with a serious illness. If you are planning to apply for SSDI, make sure you understand the law and are ready to provide detailed information about your condition to the Social Security Administration.