What Respiratory Conditions Are Covered by Disability Benefits?
Many people with respiratory conditions wonder if they could be eligible to receive disability benefits. The answer depends on the type of respiratory condition, severity, and how much this impacts work performance. Certain eligibility requirements must also be met. Talk to a Wilmington disability attorney today to find out if you could qualify for disability benefits.
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS COVERED BY DISABILITY BENEFITS
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits for those who are struggling with mental or physical disabilities that prevent them from working. These disability benefits programs are limited to people with conditions 
that are severe enough to interfere with work performance and conditions that are expected to last a long time.
When it comes to respiratory disorder disability benefits, there are several types of respiratory disorders that may qualify. These include chronic respiratory disorders like asthma, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and bronchiectasis. Each condition comes with its own set of eligibility criteria.
What many of these respiratory disorders have in common are the evidentiary requirements. Any medical evidence you have for your respiratory disorder will help increase your chances of disability benefits. Medical evidence may vary depending on what type of respiratory disorder you have and the severity of your symptoms.
Common types of medical evidence associated with respiratory disorders come from pulmonary function tests, imaging tests, and medical records. The SSA may ask for a spirometry test, DLCO test, ABG test, or pulse oximetry test depending on your condition. They may also request documentation of your diagnosis, symptoms, prognosis, and how the disorder impacts work performance.
When there is not enough evidence or information from your medical doctor, the SSA can request a consultative examination. This means they will assign you to undergo a medical evaluation by an examiner of their choosing. Contact a Wilmington disability lawyer if you have concerns.
TYPES OF DISABILITY BENEFITS
There are two main types of disability benefits programs offered by the SSA. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is offered for those with enough work credits built up through work history. Whereas the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is offered for those who are making under a certain level of income each month.
If you do not have enough work credits, you may not qualify for SSDI, but you could qualify for SSI. However, if your monthly income is too high, you could also be disqualified from SSI. Both programs offer monthly income to cover your basic living needs.
When you do not qualify for SSDI or SSI, do not panic. There are several types of private disability insurance companies that offer monetary benefits. Private disability insurance companies each have their own sets of eligibility criteria. Some allow people to receive benefits with a short-term disability.
DISABILITY ATTORNEY IN DELAWARE
Going through the disability benefits application process can be tedious and stressful. Feel free to ask a Delaware disability lawyer for guidance with filing your disability benefits application. Start by contacting Edelstein Martin & Nelson today at (302) 295-5050 for a free consultation. Our legal team is prepared to help you take steps to improve your chances of receiving disability benefits. We serve clients in Wilmington, DE.
