Asthma Diagnosis and Applying for Social Security Benefits
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in the U.S., 19 million adults and 7 million children have asthma, showing an increased trend from 7.3% to 8.4% from 2001 to 2010. The condition makes it difficult for a person to breath when the bronchial tubes abnormally contract and cause swelling of the airways.
Asthma causes two million emergency department visits and almost 4,000 deaths a year.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported in 2016 the state had a higher percentage of adults and children with asthma and a higher asthma hospitalization rate compared with the rest of the United States.
Qualifying For Asthma Disability
Asthma is found under Section 3.03 of the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the ailments of the respiratory section. The section says that the SSA bases assessment of the severity of the condition on the ability to perform daily tasks, the limitations imposed by symptoms (including pain), and the extent to which any ongoing treatment affects daily life.
A person must be diagnosed with chronic asthma and fulfill the following to meet the requirements for asthma disability approval:
- Three exacerbations or complications requiring hospitalization in a one-year period. The hospitalizations must have lasted at least 48 hours each and must have occurred at least 30 days apart.
- Must provide an FEV1 value (forced expiatory volume in one second, the result of a spirometry breathing test). It must be as low as stated in Social Security’s chart in its asthma listing, considering age, gender and height.
If someone can prove they meet all the criteria established by the SSA, the asthma disability claim will likely be approved.
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance
If you are disabled because of Asthma that is severe enough to prevent you from working, you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Applying for the right SSD benefits can be frustrating and sometimes time consuming. As with most types of insurance, it benefits the administrators of SSD benefits to make the process difficult. If they delay responding to the initial application, deny any initial requests, and then delay further review of the case, they know many applicants, especially those who are already vulnerable because of injury and financial challenges, may simply give up.
Hiring a Social Security Disability Attorney is Critical
The attorneys at The Lee Steinberg Law Firm can significantly increase your odds of success in your Social Security Disability claim. We see many clients who could have saved themselves months of frustration and waiting if only they had sought the assistance of an experienced Michigan Social Security attorney while completing their initial application for benefits. Not only can we help you understand the different ways of applying for benefits, but we will also stand strong on your behalf throughout the difficult process.
Whether you are questioning your qualifications for benefits, are beginning the process of filing a claim, or have already been denied and are appealing the decision, we can help. We have a long history of winning cases and obtaining significant financial compensation for our clients. Contact our offices at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733) or fill out the Free Case Evaluation Form to get started with a free consultation. As always, you pay nothing until we settle your Social Security Disability case.
