Can I Get Social Security Disability for Bronchiectasis?

If you are disabled and unable to work due to bronchiectasis, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Being diagnosed with bronchiectasis does not automatically qualify you for disability benefits. However, you may qualify if you either meet a Social Security listing or can show that you are unable to work due to the bronchiectasis.

Bronchiectasis and pneumoconiosis are lung conditions that can have a severe impact on your ability to function. Early symptoms of both conditions may include chronic cough and/or shortness of breath. However, as the disease progresses, you may experience fatigue. Serious cases of the disease may result in heart failure, respiratory failure, or lung infections.

Social Security Listings

Social Security understands that bronchiectasis can be disabling and has a listing for the disease, Listing 3.07. Under this listing, you can qualify for disability if the bronchiectasis is documented by imaging (typically a CT scan) and you have had at least three exacerbations/complications that have required hospitalization. The hospitalizations must occur within a 12-month period at least 30 days apart. Additionally, each of the hospitalizations must last at least 48 hours.

I Don’t Meet the Listing!

If you do not meet the listing, you may still qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. To prove that you are disabled, you need medical evidence that shows the severity of your impairment. Social Security will need reliable medical evidence from your doctors to show them that your condition limits you and prevents you from working.

Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons for a denial is not enough medical evidence. It is important that you keep a log of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics you have seen for your bronchiectasis, including any inpatient stays or hospitalizations.

If you do not meet the listing, Social Security will consider your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC outlines your job restrictions and will be used to determine if you can go back to your past work. Your RFC is also used to determine whether there is other work available for you.

If you have bronchiectasis or pneumoconiosis and it is preventing you from working, contact a local attorney today. An attorney can help answer your questions or help you apply for disability.