PULMONARY FIBROSIS & SSD BENEFITS

PULMONARY FIBROSIS AND SSD BENEFITS

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious, progressive lung disease that can make it impossible to continue working. Many people with pulmonary fibrosis struggle with breathing, chronic fatigue, and reduced lung function.

Over time, even simple daily activities, like walking across the room or climbing a flight of stairs, become difficult. If pulmonary fibrosis prevents you from working for over one year, then you should apply for Social Security Disability benefits.

In this article, we will explain what pulmonary fibrosis is. We will also discuss how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates disability claims for lung pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, we will show you what medical evidence you need to prove your case. Hiring an experienced disability attorney can increase your chances of success. Contact our SSD law firm today.

WHAT IS PULMONARY FIBROSIS?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive lung disease that occurs when scar tissue builds up in the lungs. Fibrosis causes the lungs to become stiff and less efficient at delivering oxygen to your blood. The condition can develop for different reasons. But in many cases, the cause is unknown. When the cause is not known, it is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

The American Lung Association estimates there are between 80,000 and 100,000 people in the USA living with IPF. However, there almost 700,000 people in the US living with interstitial lung disease. This amounts to almost .21% of the US population.

About two thirds of the patients with IPF are men. The majority of those men are over the age of 60. Additionally, smoking history plays a role in the disease. As does job exposure to hazards, such as chemicals. These factors usually impact men. However, those with autoimmune diseases, like scleroderma or lupus, are usually women. Women have  autoimmune disease at a higher rate than men.

The lung scars from pulmonary fibrosis cannot be cured. Therefore, the disease usually worsens over time. People with pulmonary fibrosis often experience breathing problems that become severe, even when at rest. This makes it very difficult to maintain a job. Jobs that require exposure to environmental hazards or long periods of stamina, cannot be done.

PULMONARY FIBROSIS SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis can vary from person to person. However, most people experience breathing problems as the disease progresses. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath during physical activity and eventually even at rest.
• A dry cough that does not improve.
• Fatigue and lack of energy that interferes with daily tasks.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Clubbing of the fingers or toes, which occurs when the tips of the fingers enlarge and the nails curve.

These symptoms can impact your ability to work. For example, fatigue can make it difficult to stay focused or complete tasks on time. Shortness of breath may prevent you from performing even seated jobs. This is especially true if walking short distances or sitting upright becomes difficult.

TREATMENT FOR PULMONARY FIBROSIS

Unfortunately, pulmonary fibrosis has no cure. Treatment focuses on slowing down the disease. Doctors may prescribe medications to help slow lung scar tissue. Oxygen therapy is often needed to help you breathe. Additionally, pulmonary rehab programs can improve your lung function.

In severe cases, your doctor may consider a lung transplant. However, not all patients are candidates. Even with treatment, the disease often gets worse and many people find that they cannot continue working.

If that is the case for you, then file for SSD benefits as soon as you know you are no longer able to work. Every day you wait to file an application for benefits is a day you lose money. Because SSD benefit payments are tied to the application date.

FILING APPLICATION FOR TWO FORMS OF SSD BENEFITS

If you have pulmonary fibrosis that keeps you from working, then there are two benefits for which you can file an application: Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits. You can file an application on the Social Security’s website. Below, you can find an explanation as to each type of benefit:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):  

SSDI benefits are for those who can no longer work at any job due to a medical condition. The amount of money you will receive from SSDI benefits is based on your earnings during your work history.

To qualify for SSDI, you must have enough “work credits.” A work credit is an amount of taxable income. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year. The amount of work credits you need will depend on how old you are when you apply. If you haven’t earned enough work credits for your age at the time you apply, then you can only file for Supplemental Security Income benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):  

SSI is a needs based benefit. It is for those people with little to no income, such as children and the elderly. Anyone who makes greater than a certain income per month cannot receive SSI benefits. The SSA counts the income of those in your house, not just your income and assets. The same applies if you have significant assets. If you have a boat, a cabin, and a motorcycle, then you don’t qualify for SSI.

If you have a spouse who earns $5000 a month, then that income will prevent you from getting SSI benefits. You cannot be paid SSI benefits, no matter how severe your medical condition, if you do not meet the income and asset rules for SSI.

HOW THE SSA EVALUATES PULMONARY FIBROSIS

When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, the SSA will compare your medical condition to their listing. The listing is also known as the Blue Book. The Blue Book contains medical criteria for many conditions. Pulmonary fibrosis is under the section for chronic respiratory disorders.

The most relevant listing for pulmonary fibrosis is Listing 3.02. If you meet the requirements of this listing, then the SSA can approve your claim. To meet Listing 3.02, you must provide objective medical evidence of your lung disease.

Therefore, you will need to provide results from pulmonary function tests. For example, submit spirometry, diffusion capacity testing, or oxygen saturation measurements, to the SSA. These tests measure how well your lungs are function. From this evidence, the SSA will determine whether you meet the standard of the listing.

MEDICAL EVIDENCE REQUIRED FOR YOUR DISABILITY CLAIM

The SSA requires strong medical evidence to approve a disability claim for pulmonary fibrosis. This means you will need to submit detailed records from your doctors, hospitals, and specialists who have treated your condition.

Evidence should include:

• Confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis through imaging tests, such as CT scans.
• Pulmonary function test results that demonstrate reduced lung capacity.
• Oxygen saturation measurements.
• Treatment notes from your doctors that describe your symptoms and response to treatment.
• Hospitalization records.

Without medical evidence, it is impossible to win a disability claim. The SSA relies on objective test results to determine whether your pulmonary fibrosis meets their criteria for disability.

FUNCTIONAL ISSUES CAUSED BY PULMONARY FIBROSIS

Even if you do not meet the exact medical criteria of the Blue Book, you may still qualify for benefits if your condition prevents you from working. The SSA will consider your functional limitations and evaluate whether you can perform your past work or any other work that exists in the national economy.

For example, if your pulmonary fibrosis makes it impossible to walk across a room without becoming short of breath, you will not be able to perform jobs that require physical activity. Even seated jobs may be impossible if your fatigue and oxygen needs interfere with concentration and productivity.

The SSA uses a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment to determine the extent of your limitations. The medical opinion from your doctor about your ability to walk, sit, stand, lift, or concentrate for long periods of time is very important. The more detailed and supportive your medical records are, the stronger your case will be.

HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR PULMONARY FIBROSIS CLAIM

If you are filing for Social Security Disability benefits for pulmonary fibrosis, there are steps you can take to strengthen your claim:

• Work closely with your doctors and follow their treatment recommendations.
• Make sure your doctors provide detailed notes about your symptoms, limitations, and test results.
• Submit all relevant medical evidence, including imaging tests, pulmonary function tests, and oxygen use records.
• Keep a journal of your symptoms, noting how they affect your ability to complete tasks at home and at work.
• Hire an experienced disability attorney to guide you through the process.

The more evidence you provide about how pulmonary fibrosis limits your ability to work, the greater your chances of success.

HOW TO GET FREE AND LOW COST HEALTH SERVICES

You can find health resources throughout Utah and the Salt Lake Valley. On the list, we also have clinics from Northern and Southern Utah.  Additionally, you will find low or no cost health resources in Nevada and San Francisco/Oakland, California.

All of the listed clinics and health centers state whether they will accept a payment plan. Likewise, some clinics may provide services on a sliding fee scale. Other clinics are free. You should contact the clinics or health resources directly. They can explain their payment options.

If you want to win your Social Security Disability case, then you need medical evidence. Therefore, you must see a doctor. For example, progress notes, tests, and medical opinions from your doctor are the evidence you need to prove your SSDI and SSI case. We also have lists of free clinics in Idaho and free and low cost medical services in Colorado.

For many years, the SSA would only accept medical opinions from treating doctors with an M.D. behind their name. Fortunately, the SSA realizes now that most patients get treatment from other types of providers. For example, most doctors employ a Physician’s Assistant. That person might take your vitals or discuss your medical history. They may also do therapy.

Likewise, some doctors employ nurses to help them visit with all of their patients. Records from nurses are also important to your case. Because patients receive many different types of medical treatment, the SSA now accepts medical opinions from providers in addition to your doctor.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HIRING THE BEST SSD ATTORNEY

The five step Social Security Disability process can be overwhelming. Especially when you are already dealing with a serious illness like pulmonary fibrosis. An experienced disability attorney can improve your chances of winning benefits. They can also relieve your stress.

An attorney will gather and submit your medical records. They will obtain supportive statements from your doctors and prepare you to testify at your hearing. They will also question the experts at the hearing and argue your case before the judge. Most importantly, attorneys understand the complex rules that govern SSD claims. Therefore, they know how to present your case in the best possible way.

HOW WILL YOU PAY THE ATTORNEY FEE?

We will use our legal skills to help you through the Social Security appeal process. It is our goal to win your case. But, it also our goal to make the appeal process easier for you.

We offer a free review of your case. If you call, there is no pressure to become our client. Even if we don’t accept your case, we will still try to help you.

It also doesn’t cost you any upfront money to hire us. Why? Because you only pay us an attorney fee if we win your case. If we win, then the SSA pays us out of your back benefits. Learn about past due benefits. If you do not win, then you do not pay an attorney fee.

How much is the attorney fee? The attorney fee is whatever is less between 25% of your back benefit and the fee cap. This is best understood through an example. If your back benefit is $10,000, then your attorney fee would be $2500. However, if your back benefit is $100,000, you would not pay 25% or $25,000 in attorney fees. Instead, you would pay the amount of the fee cap, which is $9200.

Regardless, you pay whatever is less between 25% of your back benefit and the fee cap. Additionally, you only owe an attorney fee if we win your case. Find out what it will cost to hire an SSD attorney.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET BENEFITS?

The process of approval for SSD benefits can take many months, and in some cases, years. The initial application can take three to six months to process. If you are denied, then you will need to appeal within 60 days. The SSA will review your case again. But that can take from 4 months to 10 months.

If you lose the second appeal, then you must request a hearing. It may take a year to get a hearing date. If you hire an SSD law firm, like ours, your lawyer will file your appeals. Having an attorney does not make the process go faster. However, you will not need to file appeals yourself. Additionally, we also help our clients fill out the SSA’s paperwork.

While waiting can be frustrating, it is important to stay consistent with your medical treatment. This will help your lawyer gather evidence of your condition. If you win, then you may receive past due benefits for the time you were waiting for the SSA to decide your claim.

HIRE THE BEST SSD LAW FIRM

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious condition that makes it difficult to continue working. If you suffer from pulmonary fibrosis and can no longer work, then you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. To succeed in your claim, you must provide strong medical evidence. You must also prove your functional limits. Additionally, you must follow through with the appeals process.

An attorney who is an expert in Social Security Disability law knows exactly what evidence you need. They also know how to present it effectively. They can request and review all medical records. Additionally, they can ensure the SSA has the correct test results and obtain statements from your doctors.

If your case goes to a hearing, then hire an attorney with experience to prepare you to testify. Your attorney can also question the SSA’s job expert and the medical expert at the hearing. They will argue your pulmonary fibrosis meets or equals Listing 3.02 . Additionally, they will show why your RFC prevents you from working.

Having an experienced disability attorney on your side can make the Social Security appeal process easier for you. Additionally, hiring an SSD law firm triples your chances of success. At our SSD law firm, we understand the challenges of winning benefits with pulmonary fibrosis. We can help you win the benefits you deserve.