When you were younger, you had asthma but were able to control it. Over time, it has worsened. Additionally, the workplace you were in negatively impacted you, setting off your asthma regularly.
You ended up having to leave your job because of how your asthma had worsened. Now, you’re on several high-dose medications to try to get it back under control, but you can’t work. Can you seek Social Security Disability?
You can seek Social Security Disability, but there are strict requirements that have to be met before you can have your claim approved. Your FEV1 has to be less than or equal to the value listed by the Social Security Administration.
Here are a few examples. If you are under 60.25 inches tall without shoes and are 20 or older, your FEV1 must be less than or equal to 1.45 as a female to qualify for Social Security Disability. For men of the same age and height, the FEV1 must be 1.6 or lower.
In addition to that, you will need to show that you’ve had exacerbations or complications that resulted in at least three hospitalizations that were 30 days or longer apart. The hospitalizations need to last for 48 hours or longer.
These requirements can make it hard to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits as a person with asthma, especially if it is normally well or moderately controlled. However, if your asthma has gotten to a point where you need to be at home or you’re regularly having attacks that require hospitalization, it may be time to consider filing for benefits. Your attorney can talk to you more about seeking benefits if you’re living with this chronic health condition.