Can I get disability benefits for COPD?

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Yes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if it is severe enough to prevent you from working full-time for at least 12 months.

 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates COPD in two main ways:

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You automatically qualify if your test results match the SSA’s strict criteria for chronic respiratory disorders. You will need objective medical tests, such as:

• Spirometry tests measuring your FEV1 (air exhaled in one second) or FVC (total air exhaled) values, evaluated against your age, height, and sex.

• Gas exchange tests like a DLCO test or arterial blood gas (ABG) test.

• Oxygen saturation tests measured during or after a six-minute walk test.

• Records of frequent hospitalizations (e.g., three hospital stays lasting 48 hours or longer within a 12-month period) or the continuous use of a ventilator or BiPAP machine.

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Demonstrating a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Limit:

If your test numbers do not strictly meet the Blue Book criteria, you can still qualify if your symptoms restrict your RFC.

• The SSA reviews your medical files and doctor's notes to see if shortness of breath, fatigue, or coughing prevents you from doing basic work tasks.

• They look at your age, education, and past work history. For example, special rules make it easier for applicants aged 50 or older to qualify if their breathing limits them to sedentary work.

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