Respiratory Systems

SSA Bluebook definition: Respiratory Systems

The listings in this section describe impairments resulting from respiratory disorders based on symptoms, physical signs, laboratory test abnormalities, and response to a regimen of treatment prescribed by a treating source. 

Respiratory disorders covered under this listing include: Chronic pulmonary insufficiency, asthma, cystic fibrosis, pneumoconiosis, bronchiectasis, mycobacterial, mycotic, and other chronic persistent infections of the lung, corpulmonale secondary to chronic pulmonary vascular hypertension, sleep-related breathing disorders and lung transplants.

Chronic Pulmonary Insufficiency (CPI)

Those living with CPI are unable to take in the normal amount of oxygen and/or expel an adequate amount of carbon dioxide. This condition can result in many challenging symptoms which can prevent a person from engaging in substantial gainful activities. When assessing a SSI/SSDI candidate with CPI, the SSA may review blood work, breathing tests, and other relevant medical evidence.

Cystic Fibrosis

With improvements in treatment, more people living with cystic fibrosis are able to work than ever before. Still, many struggle to maintain employment because of the severity of their symptoms. When assessing an applicant with cystic fibrosis, the SSA looks to confirm that they have experienced six or more episodes of pneumonia, bronchitis, or hemoptysis in a year. Alternatively, the applicant may produce evidence of persistent pulmonary infections, or infections that are so serious that intravenous or nebulizer treatment is required.

Asthma

The vast majority of people who are diagnosed with asthma are able to manage their symptoms with the help of an inhaler. For others, the condition can be debilitating, preventing the person from supporting themselves through gainful employment. The SSA is likely to approve applicants who meet the criteria for cystic fibrosis (above), require medical intervention every two months, or require medical intervention 6 times per year.

Lung Transplants

Those who have received a lung transplant are considered automatically disabled and qualify for one year of benefits. After a year of recovery, the individual’s progress will be reconsidered for respiratory disability in Tacoma during a follow-up assessment.

Other Respiratory Conditions

The Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments (Blue Book) details some, but not all, respiratory conditions which may qualify a person for benefits. It would be impossible for the Blue Book to include all conditions. Applicants with non-listed conditions (or a combination of impairments) can still apply for respiratory disability in Tacoma under a similar listing.

Respiratory Disability – Tacoma, WA

Are you living with a respiratory condition which impairs your ability to maintain employment? If you are able to produce sufficient medical evidence of your symptoms, the Social Security Administration may grant you partial or full disability benefits. To discuss your disability or claim with us, please call 253-274-0500 for your free consultation with our disability lawyer.