Many people with serious respiratory disorders may find it hard to continue working the same job. A common concern with this is being able to keep up with financial responsibilities. If you have found yourself unemployed due to a respiratory disorder, then you might be eligible for disability benefits. Discuss your condition with a Philadelphia disability lawyer to find out.

What Evidence Will the SSA Ask For?

When it comes to applying for disability benefits, you will need to go through the Social Security Administration (SSA) for government benefits. To be considered, your respiratory condition will need to meet certain eligibility requirements, which requires evidence. The majority of the evidence the SSA will ask for is medical evidence.

The respiratory disorders disability section in the SSA Blue Book lists all the eligibility criteria for these conditions. This section also lists types of medical evidence the SSA may ask for. Some of this evidence includes:

·      Medical history and physical examination results

·      Imaging test results

·      Spirometry test results

·      DLCO test results

·      ABG test results

·      Pulse oximetry results

In this section of the SSA Blue Book, you will also find details about requirements for each of these tests. For some tests, the SSA requires you to be medically stable at the time of the test. This means no major respiration issues for 30 days after completing treatment for your respiratory condition.

Medical reports might be requested by the SSA to explain test results and other medical findings. Other medical records should be submitted to prove your diagnosis, symptoms, interference with daily activities, and prognosis. The main goal of the SSA is to determine whether your respiratory disorder is severe enough to hinder your ability to work.

Other Disability Benefits Criteria

Not only will medical evidence be required to be considered for disability benefits, but so will work and income information. These other disability benefits eligibility requirements will determine whether you can qualify for a disability benefits program. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program are the available options.

For the SSDI program, the SSA will require you to have a certain number of work credits. These are typically built up with multiple jobs over the course of several years. Those without a long enough work history might not be eligible for SSDI, but they could be eligible for SSI.

The SSI program simply requires a person to not make more than a certain level of monthly income. This means people who qualify for SSI can still work, as long as their monthly income does not exceed the set threshold. Consider contacting a Philadelphia disability lawyer if you have questions about how to apply to either of these programs.

Disability Attorney in Philadelphia

Trying to figure out whether your respiratory condition qualifies you for disability benefits can be difficult. Talk to a Philadelphia delayed insurance benefits attorney to see whether you could qualify for disability benefits. Start by calling Edelstein Martin & Nelson today at (800) 300-0909 for a consultation about your claim. Our team of lawyers are prepared to help you secure the disability benefits you need.