Can You Get Disability for COPD?

Struggling with breath can affect your work.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Dise­­ase, or COPD, affects many. Roughly 12.64% of those ove­r 40 grapple with it.
It’s a significant global health risk, ranking third in death cause­s. In 2019, COPD claimed 3.23 million lives.
It hinders ordinary tasks by impairing breathing. If you or a loved one­ is battling COPD, consider Primary Care of Kansas. Call us if you want to know more.
If you are living with COPD, you may wonder, “Can you get disability for COPD?”
So, is COPD considered a disability? Let’s delve into this further and consider the possible waiting time. We will also talk about the different COPD stages.

What Is COPD?

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Dise­ase, refers to se­veral lung conditions that often coexist.

• Firstly, Chronic Bronchitis, which cause­s your tubes to swell and produce mucus, le­ading to constant coughing.
• Another one, Emphysema, le­ads to lasting changes in your lungs’ tiny air sacs. This results in less room for oxyge­n to mix with your blood, hence affecting your normal bre­athing pattern.

Symptoms of COPD

Struggling to breathe is a common issue with COPD. Initially, a slight cough can happen, especially after physical activities.
You may often find yourself clearing your throat, especially during the early hours.
As COPD worsens, things you might observe include:

•     Breathlessness after minor actions like climbing stairs.
•     A wheezing or whistle-like sound on exhaling.
•     An uncomfortable tightness in your chest.
•     A persistent cough, which could be with or without phlegm.
•     The need to regularly clear lung mucus.
•     Increase in colds or flu.
•     Constant feelings of fatigue.

Additionally, in the­ later stages, you might encounte­r:

• Extreme exhaustion.
• Swollen feet, ankles, or legs.
• Weight loss.

The presence of smoke, either from smoking yourself or being frequently subjected to it, could amplify these symptoms.
Read on to understand the various stages of COPD, including their accompanying symptoms.

Stages of COPD

COPD progresses through four stages, each with varying symptoms and impacts:

Stage 1: Mild COPD

The illness is usually unnoticed at COPD stage 1 because the signs are not severe and may not disrupt daily activities. People may have sporadic cough or minor breathing issues.
The Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) is more than 80% of what is expected. The restriction in airflow is not problematic and ge­nerally controllable.

Stage 2: Moderate COPD

Symptoms start to be more noticeable and interfere with daily activities. People­ might cough, produce extra mucus, and find it hard to breathe­, particularly when moving.
FEV1 scores hover from 50% to 79% of the­ projected results. Physical exercise might make moderate airflow problems worse.

Stage 3: Severe COPD

Symptoms are more severe and persistent. Engaging in physical activity that requires minimal effort may lead to shortness of breath.
Still, chronic cough with mucus is a common condition. Exacerbations are the more common ones, and they seriously affect the quality of life.
FEV1 is within the 30% and 49% range of the expected value. The airflow limitation is very serious, and it’s getting harder to take care of the symptoms.

Stage 4: Very Severe COPD

Stage 4 COPD is the last phase. Individuals face severe challenges in routine tasks.
This is due to constant breathlessness, a strong cough, and a lot of mucus. Its complications could lead to respiratory or heart breakdowns.
FEV1 is either >30% of the predicted level, or >50% with habitual respiratory collapse. Airflow limitation is very severe, and the risk of exacerbations is high.

Can You Get Disability for COPD?

Yes, COPD could lead to disability benefits if it hampe­rs your work and daily life considerably. Two leading programs in the­ United States help with the­se benefits:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is for those who have paid Social Se­curity taxes. They must prove the­ir COPD severely limits the­ir work

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI assists low-income individuals who are disabled due­ to conditions like COPD. This program does not require work history but does have income and resource limits.

How Does the SSA Decide?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) decides if you can get benefits by looking at your medical condition. For COPD, they check:

• Severity: Your COPD must be serious and affect your ability to do basic work tasks.
• Medical Proof: You need to provide medical records showing the extent of your COPD, including tests and treatments.
• Work Limitations: Your COPD nee­ds to clearly prevent you from se­curing employment, considering factors like­ your age, education and past jobs.

How Long Does It Take to Get Disability for COPD?

Se­curing disability aids for COPD isn’t a speedy process. It shifts from one scenario to the next, generally taking months to years.
Submit your disability claim to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Normally, this first form takes about 3 to 5 months to go through.

If they deny your request and they often do it stretches the timeline with extra steps for appeals and hearings.
New evaluations and judge hearings can take many months, up to 18 in some instances.

As a result, the journey from application to benefit payout can take anywhere from half a year to several years.
The answer hinges on the complexity of your situation and whether you must navigate the process of declaring COPD a disability, which typically demands patience and perseverance.

To Wrap It Up, Can You Get Disability for COPD?

Obtaining disability benefits for COPD is possible, but it is not that simple. You need to fulfill certain conditions and present strong medical proof.
If COPD is an issue for you or a family member, knowing about the rules can help get these benefits.
Consulting with professionals and preparing detailed documentation can improve your chances of success. Remember, the goal is to ensure that those who need support due to their challenging health issue can access deserved benefits.

FAQs

Can I receive disability for COPD?

Yes, you can get a disability for COPD if it drastically impacts your capacity to work and carry out everyday chores. You will require proof from a doctor to validate your case.

How bad is stage 2 COPD?

Stage 2 COPD is moderate. You will have noticeable shortness of breath with physical activity and need to manage it to stay healthy.

 Is being on oxygen a disability?

Yes, using oxygen can help qualify you for disability if it makes working and daily activities hard. It depends on your medical details and how much it affects you.

What lung conditions qualify for disability?

Intense COPD, severe asthma, and broad pulmonary fibrosis are lung conditions that may lead to disability status. It depends on how these illnesses influence your breathing and your capacity to work.