If you are disabled and unable to work due to COPD, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Can I Get Disability for COPD?

If you have been diagnosed with COPD and you are unable to maintain your employment, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration has a Blue Book listing to evaluate COPD claims, Listing 3.02. If you review the listing, you will see it is very complicated. Having a supportive doctor and attorney on your side can be helpful. Your doctor may be able to review the listing and compare it to your records. They may be able to make an educated guess on whether you will “automatically” meet the listing, or if you may need to fight harder for your disability benefits.

In order to approve your claim for benefits, SSA needs to see medical evidence of your breathing difficulties, despite adhering to prescribed treatment.

Sometimes, people think that being prescribed oxygen should result in an automatic disability approval. The truth is, the prescription of oxygen doesn’t result in an automatic finding of disability. In that case, SSA needs to see why oxygen has been prescribed. They need to see what kind of testing has been done, such as spirometry and pulse oximetry. SSA will also review your file to see if you have been hospitalized.

Need Help with Applying for Disability with COPD?

If you have COPD and you are unable to work, you should contact a local attorney today. COPD claims can be complex. You want someone on your side who can review the records and the rules to help argue on your behalf.