If you’re living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), everyday tasks can become exhausting. Breathing might feel like a constant struggle, and working a regular job may no longer be an option. You may be wondering: does COPD qualify for disability? This guide breaks down how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates COPD for disability benefits, what you’ll need to qualify, and how to strengthen your claim.

How the SSA Looks at COPD for Disability Benefits

COPD appears under Section 3.02 of the SSA’s listing of impairments, which covers chronic respiratory disorders. To approve benefits, the SSA requires medical evidence that your condition prevents you from working full-time.

What Medical Evidence Is Needed?

You’ll need objective test results and consistent documentation. This includes:

  • Pulmonary function tests like spirometry (FEV₁ and FVC results)
  • Arterial blood gas (ABG) tests
  • Imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans
  • Notes from pulmonologists or treating doctors
  • Detailed medical records showing the severity and persistence of your symptoms

If your test results match or exceed the thresholds listed by the SSA, your COPD could meet the medical requirements on its own. If not, they’ll assess your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). RFC provides a detailed summary of what physical or mental activities you can still do despite your condition.

Does COPD Qualify for Disability in Most Cases?

It depends on the severity of your symptoms, your work history, and how much your condition interferes with daily life. So the question “does COPD qualify for disability” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer.

Stronger Cases Usually Share These Traits:

  • Stage 3 or 4 COPD: You may qualify if your COPD makes breathing hard even at rest or with light activity.
  • Over age 50: The SSA uses special rules for applicants over 50 that make it easier to qualify if retraining for new work would be difficult.
  • Additional Health Conditions: People with COPD often also have heart disease, diabetes, or depression. When combined, these conditions can strengthen a disability claim.
  • Long Work History with Enough Work Credits: To receive SSDI, you must have worked long enough to qualify. For most people, this means five out of the last ten years.

How to Build a Strong COPD Disability Claim

Knowing that your condition might qualify isn’t enough. You’ll need to present your case with clarity, consistency, and solid evidence. Here’s how to do it:

1. Organize Your Medical Records

Include everything from test results to hospital visits to medications. Make sure your pulmonologist documents how often you experience flare-ups, fatigue, and difficulty completing daily tasks.

2. Show How COPD Affects Your Life

The SSA wants to know how your condition impacts your ability to function, not just how it looks on paper. Explaining your specific limitations will help strengthen your case. 

3. Get Detailed RFC Assessments

Ask your doctor to complete an RFC form that clearly outlines your physical limitations. This can be one of the most influential parts of your file. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill create specific RFC forms to send to doctors to target limitations that eliminate jobs. 

4. Don’t Give Up if You’re Denied

Many people with COPD are denied on their first application. Appealing is common and often necessary. The appeal process gives you a chance to submit more evidence and possibly appear at a hearing. With legal guidance, appeals often result in a favorable outcome.

So, Does COPD Qualify for Disability?

Yes, COPD can qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, especially when it significantly limits your ability to breathe, walk, stand, or carry out other tasks. The SSA will need clear medical evidence and a strong explanation of how your condition keeps you from working.

If you’re struggling to manage work and daily life due to COPD, don’t wait to start your claim. A well-prepared application improves your chances of success and getting the support you need.

Start Your Claim the Right Way With the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill

If you’ve asked yourself, does COPD qualify for disability, now is the time to take the next step. Begin gathering your medical records, talk to your doctor about documenting your limitations, and understand your eligibility for SSDI. COPD already takes so much from your life. Don’t let it take away your financial stability too. With the right preparation, your claim can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Need help getting started or appealing a denial? Contact The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill for a free case evaluation. Our team helps individuals in Missouri navigate the disability claims process every day. Let’s work together to move your claim forward.