Social Security Disability for Lung Disease Lawyer in South Carolina

Living with lung disease can be incredibly taxing due to its impact on your daily life, your ability to work, and your overall well-being. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes the challenges individuals with lung disease face and provides support through Social Security Disability benefits.

However, even with a lung disease diagnosis, proving you meet the qualifications for Social Security Disability can be complicated. At Pilzer Klein, we understand how challenging the process can be, especially while dealing with a disabling medical condition. Our South Carolina lawyers are here to help you secure the benefits you need.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a licensed disability attorney.

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

Our commitment to our clients and expertise in Social Security Disability cases set us apart from other firms.

Here are a few more ways we stand out:

• Social Security Disability is all we do.
• As a new client, you will speak directly with a licensed attorney.
• Our disability attorneys meet with clients well in advance of their hearings.
• We strive to reduce the cost of obtaining the medical evidence to support your claim.
• We request consultative evaluations from the Social Security office when appropriate.
• We gather medical evidence, so you don’t have to.
• When available, we use medical opinions as evidence.

In addition, we have over 50 years of combined experience and are ready to put our skills to work in your case. Whether you are getting ready to apply for the first time or need to appeal a denial, we are here to help. We won’t charge you until we win your case. 

Factors Evaluated in Social Security Disability Claims for Lung Disease

While the symptoms and severity of respiratory disorders can vary significantly, they universally impact your capacity to breathe efficiently, severely limiting your capacity to work. When reviewing disability claims related to lung disease, the SSA thoroughly examines your lung function and the degree of impairment.

This assessment considers various respiratory symptoms, which may include the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood

However, experiencing these symptoms does not automatically mean you have a qualifying disorder. For instance, shortness of breath can also be attributed to factors unrelated to lung disease, such as poor physical fitness.

Even in cases where shortness of breath is attributed to a respiratory condition if your lung capacity remains at or above 80%, it may still be considered within the normal range.

Medical Evidence

In order to establish the seriousness of your respiratory condition as part of the application process, you must provide the SSA with comprehensive medical records detailing your condition, test results, and treatments received.

Should you require assistance obtaining these vital records, reach out to an attorney from Pilzer Klein, who will handle this step for you as part of our comprehensive legal representation.

Lung Function Tests

One of the most critical aspects of applying for Social Security disability benefits for lung disease is the results of specific lung function tests. These tests are pivotal in demonstrating the severity of your lung disease and its impact on your daily life.

The SSA requires specific tests to evaluate your respiratory disorder. One such test is a spirometry exam, which quantifies your forced expiratory volume, indicating how much air you can exhale forcefully.

While you might have previously undergone a spirometry test to assess your lung capacity, the SSA might request a consultative exam to reevaluate it. This test is done at their own expense because they have stringent standards for assessing the reliability of spirometry tests.

It’s important to note that the SSA may not consider spirometry results or arterial blood gas tests conducted during acute illness episodes, such as pneumonia.

Respiratory Conditions Listed in Social Security’s Blue Book

Listing 3.0 delineates the respiratory problems that have the potential to qualify applicants for disability benefits.

These encompassed disorders include:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Lung transplants
• Bronchiectasis
• Pneumoconiosis
• Sleep-related breathing issues
• Cystic fibrosis
• Sleep-related breathing issues
• Chronic fungal or bacterial lung infections, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis
• Cor pulmonale secondary to chronic pulmonary vascular hypertension

Before you can receive Social Security disability for lung disease in South Carolina, specific criteria for one of these conditions must typically be met. However, even if you do not satisfy these exact requirements, you may still be eligible for disability benefits, albeit with the need for a more robust case presentation.

Talk to a South Carolina Lawyer

Trying to get on Social Security disability for lung disease might seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to face this complex process alone. If you live in upstate South Carolina, Pilzer Klein is here to offer you the guidance and support you require at every step.

Our Social Security Disability attorneys are devoted to helping you obtain the necessary medical evidence and avoid common mistakes in the application process so you can obtain the benefits you need. Your financial stability and peace of mind are within reach. Contact us today to get started with a free case evaluation.