COPD Disability Lawyer in California

Is COPD a Disability?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly referred to as COPD, is a leading cause of death in the U.S. and affects about 16 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For many people with COPD, the shortness of breath and frequent coughing and wheezing make it difficult to do everyday activities, including those that are work-related.

If you’ve been diagnosed with severe COPD, you can qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs, but it’s not easy. More than two-thirds of the people submitting disability claims for COPD and other disabling medical conditions this year will be denied benefits.

Sackett and Associates help people throughout Northern California and other parts of the country with disability claims. Qualifying for disability with COPD requires an in-depth understanding of the rules and procedures of the application process and the appropriate medical documentation needed to approve your claim.

Understanding COPD

COPD is an ongoing condition caused by damage to the lungs. The damage causes inflammation that makes breathing difficult by restricting airflow into and out of the lungs. Symptoms of COPD include the following:

1. Difficulty breathing
2. Shortness of breath
3. Persistent coughing
4. Tightness in the chest
5. Wheezing
6. Heavy buildup of mucus within the lungs

Doctor-prescribed treatment can improve the quality of life of patients by controlling symptoms, but there is no cure for COPD. If your condition worsens, it may become severe enough to limit your activities and prevent you from working.

Can You Qualify For COPD Disability Benefits?

Qualifying for disability with COPD is not easy, but it can be done provided you have medical records documenting the severity of the disease, including its effect on your health and ability to engage in work activities. When you seek medical care, your medical records should include:

1. Physical examination notes and observations of the physician.
2. Diagnostic imaging results, such as X-rays and CT scans.
3. Results of pulmonary function tests, such as spirometry, ABG, pulse oximetry, and DLCO tests.
4. Results of blood and other laboratory tests.

Your medical records should include the course of treatment prescribed by your physician. There also should be documentation that you followed the treatment plan and how your condition responded to it.

There are two ways to establish COPD SSDI eligibility and SSI eligibility. The first is to match a disability listing. The Social Security Administration has a listing of medical conditions, commonly called the Blue Book, that its disability examiners use to determine if a medical condition is severe enough to prevent a person from working. Section 3.02 of the listings of impairments covers COPD and chronic respiratory disorders.

The other way of qualifying for disability with COPD is with medical evidence proving your condition significantly affects your ability to breathe and prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity associated with work. You also must be unable to do work you did in the past or do other types of work available in the national economy.

A Sackett Law disability lawyer knows what the SSA disability examiners look for when reviewing applications, so we work closely with your doctors to ensure that your medical records are accurate, complete, and up to date. Whether filing initial disability claims for COPD or challenging a denial of a claim through the appeal process, a disability lawyer at Sackett Law fights for you.

Learn More About Disability Benefits And COPD

For over four decades, Harvey Sackett and the disability team at Sackett Law have helped thousands of people throughout Northern California and the nation to navigate the complex and frustrating Social Security disability process. Whether you need assistance with an application or to appeal a denial of a claim, you can rely on a disability lawyer at Sackett Law to fight for you. If you have questions about COPD disability benefits, contact us today for a free consultation and claim evaluation.