The Listing Of Impairments: About Respiratory Impairments

By Kenton Koszdin on June 25, 2018 | In Disease SSDI Claim

The Listing Of Impairments: About Respiratory Impairments

Individuals who have a respiratory condition that impairs their ability to perform everyday activities, including performing any job-related functions, may have a disability that meets the criteria established by the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book’s listing of impairments.

The listing of impairments details those impairments considered severe enough to prevent an individual from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). The listing of impairments evaluates respiratory disorders that:

  • Result in obstruction (difficulty moving air out of the lungs);
  • Result in restriction (difficulty moving air into the lungs); or
  • Interfere with diffusion across cell membranes in the lungs.

Examples of respiratory disorders under the listings include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis and emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis and pneumoconiosis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, respiratory failure, chronic pulmonary hypertension, lung transplantation, as well as cancers affecting the respiratory system.

Symptoms and other indications of respiratory disorders include dyspnea (shortness of breath), coughing, chest pain, wheezing, sputum production, hemoptysis (coughing up blood from the respiratory tract), use of accessory muscles of respiration, and tachypnea (rapid rate of breathing).

The listings in the SSA’s Blue Book provide the documentation needed to evaluate a respiratory disorder. Applicants must present medical evidence to prove they have a listed impairment. As for medical evidence, the SSA looks for medical history, physical examination findings, results of imaging, pulmonary function and other laboratory tests, prescribed treatment, as well as the patient’s response to such treatment. Acceptable tests and medical reports for the specific tests used to diagnose and treat respiratory disorders are provided in the Blue Book.

Hiring a qualified disability lawyer ensures the proper evaluation of your disability matter. To improve your chances of meeting all of the requirements for the allowance of a claim (and avoiding the denial of benefits), retain the services of a qualified California disability attorney. Contact the Kenton Koszdin Law Office today for a free consultation. We even offer free in-home consultations! Call 800-438-7734 or visit us online. It will be a pleasure to hear from you. Se habla espańol!

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