Suffering From Respiratory Disorders? You May Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits in NC

Respiratory disorders may include obstructive airway diseases such as emphysema or asthma or chronic infection that causes progressive lung damage. It is understandable how severely damaged lung capacity or function can result in a disability that curtails a person’s ability to work for a living.

If you suffer from such an illness, it may qualify you as disabled and eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. The social security disability lawyers of Hardison & Cochran are here to help you. We can assist you in either applying for benefits or appealing the denial of your claim.

We serve clients throughout North Carolina. Our initial case consultations are always free. Get started by calling or contacting us online today.

Common Respiratory Disorders

The Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments, or “Blue Book,” is used by the North Carolina Disability Determination Services (DDS) to determine whether you have a qualifying disability or a disability that is considered severe enough to prevent you from working for a living.

Specific respiratory disorders recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) include:

  • Chronic pulmonary insufficiency – Includes COPD or chronic restrictive ventilatory disease, where lung expansion is limited.
  • Asthma – Chronic narrowing of the airways, which can include bronchitis or frequent asthma attacks.
  • Cystic fibrosis –A genetic condition causing thick mucus buildup, leading to infections, lung damage, and breathing problems.
  • Pneumoconiosis – Caused by inhaling dust, often linked to mining, textile work, or other high-exposure environments.
  • Bronchiectasis – Permanent widening of the airways due to mucus blockages.
  • Sleep-related breathing disorders – Such as sleep apnea, where breathing stops or becomes shallow during sleep.
  • Lung transplant – Considered a qualifying disability for at least 12 months after surgery, followed by reassessment.

Can You Qualify for SSD Benefits with a Respiratory System Disorder?a man holds an asthma inhaler in his hand

Proving You Qualify for SSD Benefits

To receive SSD benefits for a respiratory disorder, you must provide medical evidence that proves the severity and long-term impact of your condition. The SSA typically requires:

  • A detailed medical history and records of all treatments
  • Results from a recent physical exam
  • Imaging such as chest X-rays or CT scans
  • Pulmonary function test results showing reduced lung capacity

If your respiratory condition is not listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, you may still qualify. You must show that your illness prevents you from performing your current job and any other work for at least 12 consecutive months. You can also qualify if your condition is expected to keep you from working for a year or longer or if it is terminal.

Are There Other Ways to Qualify for SSD Benefits with a Respiratory Disorder?

The SSA recognizes that the respiratory disorders in the Blue Book are not a complete list. You have the right to explain to the SSA that you are disabled by a respiratory problem that is not on its list. You will be required to show that your condition has made you unable to perform the duties of your job for 12 months or more or is expected to keep you from working for a year or more or is a terminal condition.

Our North Carolina Lawyers Help Individuals Seek SSD Benefits for Respiratory Disorders

An experienced attorney from Hardison & Cochran can help you make the case to those who will decide the fate of your SSD benefits application. We will make sure your application is complete and reflects the severity of your respiratory impairment.

Contact Hardison & Cochran today for a free case review. We will stand with you and fight for the SSD benefits you deserve.