Pulmonary fibrosis is a disabling condition that creates dense scar tissue within the lungs and reduces the blood’s oxygen flow. It is typically accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, difficulty breathing, aching muscles and weight loss that worsen over time.
Those affected by this disease should be eligible to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits more quickly than other conditions since idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is listed on the Compassionate Allowance List (CAL).
CAL lists a number of severe conditions that automatically meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability and qualify for quick approval.
How to Prove Your Diagnosis
An important step when applying for disability entails documenting your medical history and findings. This medical evidence is critical when submitting your application to support your claim.
The following are types of evidence you can produce:
- Documented abnormalities caused by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- Medical document stating that your doctor recommends you for disability benefits
- Documented physical findings and exams tied to your idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis
- Medical documentation specifying your inability to stoop, bend, lift, walk or carry objects
- Documentation stating what types of treatments you have tried such as medication or therapies
In order to receive disability benefits, your condition cannot be expected to improve within 12 months and you must be unable to perform any work, including previous jobs you held.
Because there is some variance in symptoms from person to person with an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis, it is imperative that you tell the Social Security Administration in your application exactly why you cannot work.
If you have been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and need to file for disability benefits or have been denied benefits, speak to an experienced disability lawyer at Dayes Law Firm PC. A Social Security Disability lawyer for our law firm can assist you in filling an application or appealing a denial.
Call 1-800-503-2000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.