COPD Keeps Many Out of Work, Could Be Eligible for Social Security Disability
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The disease has, according to a new report, taken its toll on American workers, with nearly ¼ of those unable to work in such a position due to COPD
According to the Social Security Administration, if a person’s COPD is bad enough, then the person qualifies and will be eligible for social security disability.
CDC investigator Anne Wheaton found, from 2013’s data, that just over 24% of adults with COPD say they cannot work. That is compared with 5% of adults in the general population who self-report that they are disabled and unable to work. Half of the COPD respondents said that they had some sort of activity limitation due to the breathing disorder, while 38% said that they found it difficult to climb stairs – which could be a necessity for many jobs in older buildings.
COPD has been linked to lack of exercise and smoking. The CDC suggested increasing activity as a way to train the lungs to breathe more, which can reduce COPD symptoms. The CDC also said that quitting smoking was an important way to prevent this disabling disease.
According to the SSA, COPD is a listing level disease. This means that there are specific criteria, as the disease worsens, that could qualify a person for social security disability automatically. While there are things someone can do to prevent the disease or slow its progression, once a social security disability applicant has it, it will get worse over time and that could mean the person is unable to work.
The SSA measures breathing rates, which a doctor can help you with if you have COPD. If you meet specific air volume per exhale requirement, then you can automatically qualify for social security disability. Otherwise, you can still apply for SSDI if you have COPD, because the disease can still limit your ability to work, meaning you may be able to work only part-time, or for a few weeks or months out of the year. The SSA will evaluate what your functional limitations are with COPD, including tolerance of dust, smoke, or fumes, as well as temperature fluctuations and humidity.
Most people with severe COPD are over the age of 50, but sometimes younger adults are affected and need social security disability. While it is difficult to win a claim for social security disability for someone younger than 50, and most first-time applicants for SSDI are denied, it is important that you reach out to a South Carolina soecial security disability attorney for further advice regarding your claim. The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Disability Applications and Appeals.
If you need to apply for social security disability due to a chronic disease like COPD, or you have applied and your Social Security Disability application has been denied, you may seek help from an attorney. The South Carolina social security disability attorneys can help you both with the first application, as well as going through the SSDI appeals process. Do not suffer financial instability alone. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 803.252.4800.
