Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that can make it difficult to breathe, work and generally walk through life in ways that don’t require forethought. For individuals whose COPD condition severely limits their ability to maintain employment, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can serve as meaningful financial support.
COPD is a generalized term and can be a diagnosis in and of itself or it can be used to describe the manifestation of symptoms associated with conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Over time, these illnesses can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue and frequent respiratory infections. Tasks that once seemed routine—such as climbing stairs, carrying groceries or walking to a car—may become exhausting or even dangerous. When one’s condition becomes this severe, working a full-time job may no longer be realistic.
Proving that COPD has rendered an applicant incapable of work
To qualify for SSDI, applicants must show that their COPD is severe enough to prevent them from engaging in substantial gainful activity. To meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) eligibility criteria for benefits, applicants generally need to provide clinical evidence such as:
- Pulmonary function test results (e.g., FEV1 or FVC readings)
- Imaging that confirms lung damage
- Oxygen therapy prescriptions or use
- Records of hospitalizations or emergency treatments
- Doctor’s notes describing functional limitations
In addition to medical records, the SSA will evaluate how COPD limits an applicant’s daily life. This includes their ability to work consistently, handle stress and complete tasks that require concentration and endurance.
Unfortunately, many initial SSDI applications for COPD are denied due to incomplete documentation or misunderstandings about how the condition affects a person’s work capacity. Thankfully, attorneys who are skilled in navigating the SSA’s claims process can help to head many of these potential challenges off at the pass.
Living with COPD is hard enough without the added stress of financial uncertainty. If your illness has made it impossible to work, SSDI benefits may be available to help you maintain stability. Seeking legal help early in the process can increase your chances of approval and better ensure that your claim reflects the true impact of your diagnosis.