Conditions That Qualify for Disability

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes airway inflammation, making it difficult to breathe. SSA evaluates asthma claims by looking at how often you have attacks despite following treatment, whether you have been hospitalized, and how your breathing test results compare to specific thresholds. Because asthma severity can vary greatly from person to person, SSA looks closely at your medical records to understand how your asthma affects your ability to function on a regular, ongoing basis.

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition where the airways are permanently damaged and widened, making it hard to clear mucus and breathe. SSA evaluates it based on how often your condition flares up and lands you in the hospital.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and other chronic respiratory diseases make it hard to breathe, limiting your ability to work and perform daily activities. SSA evaluates these conditions under Blue Book Listing 3.02, which covers chronic respiratory disorders due to any cause — except cystic fibrosis, which has its own separate listing. To qualify, your medical records must show that your condition meets one of four sets of criteria (A, B, C, or D) outlined in Listing 3.02. SSA relies heavily on objective medical test results, so thorough documentation from your treating doctors is essential.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive system, and other organs, leading to serious breathing problems and frequent infections. SSA evaluates CF disability claims under Blue Book Listing 3.04, which requires that CF be documented according to SSA's specific criteria and that the condition meets one of several defined severity standards (labeled A through G). Because CF affects breathing and overall lung function, SSA looks closely at medical records that show how severely the disease limits your ability to function.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary fibrosis cause progressive lung scarring that makes breathing increasingly difficult. SSA does not have a dedicated listing for these conditions but evaluates them under its chronic respiratory disorders framework, looking closely at your breathing test results, oxygen levels, and functional limitations.

A lung transplant is recognized by SSA as a qualifying disability condition. If you've had a lung transplant, SSA will consider you disabled for a specific period after surgery and will then evaluate any remaining health limitations.

Pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition in which the blood pressure inside the arteries of the lungs is abnormally high, putting strain on the heart and lungs. SSA evaluates chronic pulmonary hypertension under Blue Book Listing 3.09, which covers cases caused by any underlying medical reason. To meet this listing, your medical records must show that your condition is chronic and confirmed by a specific type of heart procedure called cardiac catheterization, which directly measures the pressure in your pulmonary arteries.

Respiratory failure is a serious condition in which your lungs can no longer supply enough oxygen to your body or remove carbon dioxide effectively, requiring mechanical breathing support. SSA evaluates respiratory failure claims under Blue Book Listing 3.14, which focuses on how often you have needed ventilator support and for how long. This listing applies to respiratory failure caused by any chronic respiratory disorder, with the exception of cystic fibrosis, which is evaluated under a separate listing.

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. SSA does not have a dedicated listing for sleep apnea, but evaluates it based on how it affects your breathing, oxygen levels, and ability to function during the day.