Trying to breathe was a daily struggle for Felix. His childhood asthma continued to worsen as he aged, especially since he worked outdoors as a construction worker. It was the only work he knew. In the beginning, he could control his asthma and complete all his job duties. Now, though, he was left asking himself, “Does asthma qualify for SSDI?” As with many questions involving government benefit programs, finding the answer is not always easy.
General SSDI Requirements
SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance. The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages this important benefit program. However, not everyone with a medical condition can qualify for SSDI benefits.
To qualify for SSDI, you must:
- Be unable to continue working at your current job;
- Be unable to do a different job; and
- Have a disability for at least one year or have a condition that is expected to cause your death eventually.
Your work history matters also. If you have a condition that is considered a disability but do not have enough work credits, your claim may be denied.
But, is asthma really a disability? Can Asthma qualify for SSDI?
Asthma, a Common Condition
One of the most common respiratory disorders, asthma affects more than 25 million Americans every year. However, being a common disease does not mean that asthma meets the SSA’s definition of disability.
Breathing, of course, is necessary for life. So, it would seem that anything that keeps you from breathing could be considered a disability. To prove asthma is a disability, consider the following:
- Your medical condition must appear on the SSA’s list of impairments. Asthma does appear under Section 3.00 Respiratory Disorders.
- You must have medical evidence. People with asthma may need pulmonary function tests, spirometry tests, laboratory tests, and physical examination reports.
Specific requirements regarding asthma include:
- Evidence showing a listing-level airflow obstruction at baseline while you are medically stable.
- Evidence of at least three hospitalizations within a 12-month period, at least 30 days apart.
Proving asthma is a disability may be difficult, but it is possible.
Find Out if Your Asthma Qualifies for SSDI
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ experience in the legal field. Much of their work involves Social Security disability cases. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
