Many people in Pennsylvania with severe respiratory disorders can attest to how such a disorder can affect every aspect of one’s life. If a person is struggling to complete the most basic of daily tasks due to a severe respiratory disorder and cannot work for a year or more, that person may want to consider seeking Social Security disability benefits. They may be heartened to hear that the Social Security Administration as of October 7, 2016, has added Respiratory Disorders to its Listing of Impairments. By doing so, the SSA recognizes that if all requirements are met, disorders falling under this umbrella may qualify an individual for SSD benefits.
There are a number of disorders that are included in the listing of respiratory disorders. They include chronic respiratory disorders, asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, chronic pulmonary hypertension due to any cause, lung transplants and respiratory failure. The SSA will evaluate such disorders when they result in breathing obstructions or restrictions, or affect the diffusion of the applicant’s lung cell membranes.
There are a number of symptoms that may indicate an individual has a respiratory disorder. The person may have pain when breathing, or shortness of breath. They may cough or wheeze, sometimes coughing up blood. They may also produce sputum or have rapid breathing. They may also need to use accessory muscles to breathe.
In the end, those with respiratory disorders who need disability benefits should not lose hope. It is possible to seek SSD benefits for such disorders. By doing so, individuals may be able to obtain the benefits they need to help compensate for the expenses associated with their illness as well as taking care of their regular daily needs.
