When Can You Get SSDI for Asthma or COPD?

 Posted on May 22, 2025 in Social Security Disability

Breathing is not optional. But for people with chronic lung conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), every breath can feel like a battle. When these conditions become severe enough to interfere with daily functioning or employment, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can offer vital support — but getting approved is not always easy.

SSDI claims for respiratory illnesses are often denied the first time around. The burden of proof is high, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires detailed medical evidence showing that your condition is not only real but truly disabling. You do not have to do the hard work of proving your disability on your own. Our Dallas, TX social security disability insurance attorneys fight hard for our clients, including appealing claims that have been denied.

How the SSA Evaluates Asthma and COPD

The SSA uses a set of listings called the Blue Book to determine whether a medical condition qualifies for disability benefits. Both asthma and COPD are included under Listing 3.00, which addresses respiratory disorders.

To qualify under these listings, your condition must be documented with objective medical testing. For example, COPD applicants typically must provide spirometry results showing a severely reduced forced expiratory volume. Asthma applicants must show frequent hospitalizations or emergency treatments despite prescribed medications.

Specifically, the SSA will look for:

• Medical records showing a diagnosis and treatment history

• Pulmonary function tests

• Frequency and severity of exacerbations

• Use of oxygen therapy or need for mechanical ventilation

• Hospitalizations, especially within a 12-month period

You must also show that your condition prevents you from performing any substantial gainful activity. That means not just your past job, but any full-time job available in the national economy.

What If You Do Not Meet the Blue Book Standards for SSDI Benefits?

Many applicants do not meet the strict criteria of the listing, but that does not mean they are out of options. You may still be approved through a medical-vocational allowance.

This process considers how your condition limits your ability to walk, stand, lift, concentrate, or maintain regular attendance. If your symptoms — such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or side effects from medications — make it impossible to work consistently, you may still qualify. Your doctor’s opinion, treatment history, and statements from family or coworkers can all help support your case.

Can an Attorney Help Me Get SSDI Benefits if I Have Asthma or COPD? 

SSDI claims require more than just a diagnosis. You need to tell a clear story, backed by medical evidence, about how your condition limits your ability to function. Most people do not know how to gather the right documentation or how to frame their limitations in the way the SSA requires. An experienced SSDI lawyer can help you file the strongest application possible, or appeal a denial if your initial claim was rejected.

SSDI is not a handout and you do not need to feel guilty about taking advantage of the safety net you have worked for all your life. It is a benefit you have earned through your work history, and one that can help you breathe a little easier as you navigate an uncertain future.

Contact a Plano, TX SSDI Lawyer Today

If you are struggling to work because of asthma or COPD, a Dallas, TX SSDI denial attorney at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd can help you apply for benefits or appeal a denial. Call 972-671-9922 today for a free consultation.