by Did you know the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) ranked Tampa 41st among the 100 most populous U.S. cities in its 2024 Allergy Capitals report?
Depending on its severity, asthma can range from a minor inconvenience to a serious condition that disrupts daily life or becomes life-threatening.
While asthma has no cure, its symptoms can be effectively managed with proper care over time.
How to Get Disability Benefits for Asthma in Tampa?
If you’re considering disability benefits, consulting a disability lawyer in Tampa can help you understand your options.
Disability Benefits of Asthma
Around 25 million Americans live with asthma, a chronic lung condition characterized by inflammation. Asthma occurs when the airways in the lungs become –
- Inflamed
- Swollen, and
- Sometimes, it produces extra mucus.
The muscles around the airways tighten, narrowing them and making breathing difficult.
It can lead to –
- Wheezing
- Uncontrollable coughing and
- Shortness of breath.
How To Manage Asthma?
It depends on long-term symptom management and attack prevention.
1. Avoid Triggers:
Check out and minimize any exposure to the asthma triggers.
2. Medications
Prescriptions are provided depending on the patient’s age, symptoms, and triggers.
Long-term medications reduce airway inflammation. However, inhalers provide quick relief for swollen airways.
3. Allergy Management:
Allergy medications or injections can help if allergens trigger asthma symptoms.
4. Monitoring Breathing:
Regular tracking helps manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Long-Term Effects of Asthma
Over time, asthma can cause permanent narrowing of the bronchial tubes, affecting breathing.
Additionally, the excess use of asthma medications can lead to side effects. These complications can interfere with work, sleep, and daily activities.
Asthma is a common reason for applying for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).
However, many applications get denied since most cases can be effectively managed with medication.
Only the most severe cases—where asthma significantly limits daily activities despite treatment—may qualify for disability benefits.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits for Asthma
Asthma is recognized as a disability under Section 3.03 of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) guidelines.
To qualify, you must meet specific medical criteria:
Eligibility Requirements
Low FEV1 Value:
Your Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) must be below the threshold for your age, gender, and height based on the SSA’s chart.
The value is measured through a pulmonary function test.
Frequent Hospitalizations:
- You must have experienced three asthma exacerbations or complications requiring hospitalization for at least 48 hours each.
- These hospitalizations must be at least 30 days apart.
Required Medical Records
Your medical documentation should include results from the following tests:
- Spirometry Test: Measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, as well as how quickly you can exhale. Baseline measurements taken during non-attack periods are also required.
- Arterial Blood Gas Studies: It measures blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
- FVC Test Results: Determines the amount of air you can forcibly exhale after a deep breath.
- FEV1 Results: Indicates the amount of air you can exhale in one second.
Additionally, your medical records must show you are adhering to prescribed treatments, such as regular use of an inhaler.
If You Don’t Meet the Listing Requirements
If you do not meet the criteria under Section 3.03, the SSA will assess how asthma limits your ability to perform your previous job. This process is called a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment.
The RFC assessment evaluates what tasks you can perform despite your condition. Restrictions may include:
- Avoiding heavy physical exertion
- Not working in environments with dust, fumes, or extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
By thoroughly documenting your condition and limitations and working with a Social Security Disability Attorney in Tampa, you can improve your chances of qualifying for disability benefits for asthma.
