If you are living with severe asthma, every day can be a struggle. Even when you use your medications and follow your doctor’s treatment plan, you may still find yourself gasping and coughing. Sometimes the heat, fumes, or physical activity at a typical workplace are so intense that you end up hospitalized multiple times per year. Although asthma is not automatically considered a disability, the good news is that chronic and severe asthma may be covered as a respiratory disability in New York under certain circumstances.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a generally chronic condition in which the bronchi of the lungs become narrowed, inflamed, and prone to spasms; this causes shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. This manifests in many different ways, and some people may have coughing or chest tightness along with the usual wheezing. Asthma is often triggered or worsened by certain factors, including allergies and air quality.
When Is Asthma Considered a Disability in New York?
Under the Social Security disability rules, asthma may be considered a respiratory disability if one of the following applies to you:
- You suffer from chronic asthmatic bronchitis and meet the medical requirements, which are similar to those for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- You have frequent asthma attacks that, despite treatment, occur six times a year and require medical intervention. If you are hospitalized for an asthma exacerbation, it is counted as two attacks.
What Can I Do?
If you suffer from chronic asthma, you may qualify for disability benefits. We recommend you apply for benefits as soon as your doctor determines you are unable to work. Contact one of our experienced Bronx disability lawyers today at 866-205-2415 or toll-free at 855-614-4351 for a free consultation. We are devoted to helping disabled New Yorkers get the benefits they need to stay healthy and comfortable. We also offer a helpful FREE book, Quick Facts: Social Security Disability and the Stimulus Package.