Causes and Symptoms of Asthma
Asthma causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes, and during an attack airways swell and tighten, which makes breathing difficult. Mucus can also build up in the airways, restricting airflow even further.
The medical community does not know for certain what causes asthma. The predominant thought is that it’s probably some combination of genetics and environmental factors. Some people who experienced a severe respiratory infection in childhood are also more prone to developing asthma.
Allergies also seem to play a role, and working in an environment heavy with dust and fumes can certainly aggravate the condition.
As with many diseases, asthma symptoms can vary from person to person, but in general, they include:
- Recurring coughing and wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest
Some individuals dealing with asthma have very mild symptoms but experience them almost daily. Others have more serious, even life-threatening asthma attacks. These may be followed by extended periods during which they have either mild symptoms or none at all.
Asthma and Social Security Disability Benefits
When does asthma qualify as a disability? Asthma is considered a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act and by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The question to ask is, does your particular case of asthma qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?
If you’re able to control your asthma with at-home treatment while avoiding asthma triggers like pet dander and dust, the SSA will likely not look at your asthma as a disability. This is because if you’re still able to work, you will not qualify for benefits.
On the other hand, if your asthma attacks are critical, sometimes requiring hospitalization and causing you to miss significant amounts of work, the SSA will likely consider you disabled.
When filing for disability benefits, it’s important to provide a comprehensive overview of your condition. Your initial application should include your asthma diagnosis, attempts to treat your condition, and relevant information from your medical history.
Automatic Qualification for Disability Benefits
Asthma can be a life threatening condition. If you meet the medical criteria under the Blue Book’s Section 3.00 for asthma, the SSA will automatically approve your claim. However, you must also meet the SSA’s definition of disabled by meeting the following eligibility requirements:
- Your medical condition is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death
- Your medical condition prevents you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
- Your medical condition is supported by medical evidence
The two requirements for automatic qualification for Social Security Disability with asthma are:
- In the past year, you’ve had at least three asthma exacerbations or complications requiring hospitalization for at least 48 hours in each case. These hospitalizations must have been at least 30 days apart. They also must have included hours spent in a hospital emergency department immediately before the hospitalization.
- Your lung function test, known as FEV1, must be low for your age, gender, and height, according to the SSA’s Blue Book listing 3.03. Results must be measured within the same 12-month period as the hospitalizations mentioned in point one.
Additionally, if you suffer from chronic asthmatic bronchitis, you may also qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits.
Can You Get SSI for Asthma?
Yes, it is possible to receive SSI for severe asthma. However, SSI provides financial assistance to individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged with limited income and resources. Therefore, to qualify for SSI with asthma, you must meet the SSA’s definition of disabled and have limited income and resources.
Can You Get SSDI for Asthma?
Yes, you can receive SSDI for asthma if your condition meets the SSA’s definition of disabled. However, you must also meet the SSDI work history requirements to be eligible for the program.
