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Jeffrey A Rabin & Associates, Ltd.

Is Asthma a Disability? How to Apply For Benefits

    For many, asthma is a chronic condition that affects one’s ability to breathe, function, and stay employed. If you’re living with severe asthma, you may be wondering: Is asthma a disability? And more importantly, can you receive Social Security Disability benefits for it?

    At The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd., we help individuals throughout the Chicago area and beyond navigate the complex Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) process. With over 100 years of combined experience, our dedicated attorneys are here to support you every step of the way. Call us at (847) 299-0008.

    Is Asthma a Disability?

    The short answer is yes. Asthma can be considered a disability, but only in specific cases. The Social Security Administration (SSA) includes asthma under its Blue Book listing of respiratory disorders, but it must meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify.

    SSA doesn’t automatically grant benefits just because you’ve been diagnosed with asthma. To be eligible, you must prove that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from maintaining “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). In other words, you are unable to work consistently due to your symptoms and impaired respiratory function.

    When Does My Asthma Qualify for Benefits?

    To qualify for disability benefits, your asthma must be more than just sporadic attacks. SSA typically looks for the following:

    • Frequent hospitalizations: Usually, at least three hospital stays within a 12-month period, each lasting at least 48 hours, including hours spent in the emergency room before admission.
    • Ongoing medical treatment: You must be under continuous care and follow prescribed treatments, such as inhalers, steroids, or nebulizer therapy.
    • Documented limitations: Records showing that asthma prevents you from performing work or regular daily activities.

    SSA also examines how your symptoms impact your ability to move, concentrate, or interact with others over consecutive months.

    Understanding the Medical-Vocational Allowance

    If your asthma doesn’t meet the SSA’s Blue Book definition for respiratory disorders, there’s still a path forward.

    You may qualify through a Medical-Vocational Allowance, which takes a broader view of your case by evaluating:

    • Your age
    • Education level
    • Work history
    • Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) — a determination of what physical or mental tasks you can still do despite your limitations

    Even if your asthma doesn’t meet the strict criteria in the SSA’s listing, if your respiratory function makes it impossible to return to your previous work or adapt to new work, you may still meet the eligibility for disability benefits under this allowance.

    Applying for Disability Benefits with Asthma

    Filing a disability claim for asthma isn’t always straightforward. It involves thorough documentation, meeting key deadlines, and understanding how SSA evaluates respiratory disorders. Many valid claims are initially denied due to incomplete paperwork or insufficient evidence.

    Having The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates on your side can make all the difference.

    What Information Do I Need to Qualify for Disability with Asthma?

    To build a successful claim, you should gather the following:

    • Medical records: Including lung function tests like spirometry or FEV1, emergency room reports, and hospital discharge summaries
    • Physician statements: Your treating doctor should write a letter explaining how your asthma affects your daily activities and your ability to work
    • Employment history: Showing how asthma has impacted your ability to sustain gainful employment
    • Treatment compliance: Documentation that you are following your prescribed treatment plan

    Detailed records that highlight your limitations over consecutive months can significantly strengthen your case.

    How Our Disability Attorneys Can Help

    At The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd., we understand the toll that chronic respiratory disorders like asthma can take. We’ve spent over 50 years helping individuals navigate the SSDI and SSI process and secure the benefits they deserve.

    We know the eligibility requirements, how to interpret lung function tests, and how to present your case in a way the SSA understands. Whether you’re just starting your application or facing an appeal, we’re here to advocate for you at every step.

    And with our contingency fee structure, you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. No upfront costs and no hourly fees. Just reliable, compassionate support when you need it most.

    Let’s Take the Next Step Together

    If asthma is affecting your ability to work or manage your daily activities, you don’t have to face the Social Security system alone. Our attorneys are ready to help you understand your options, prepare a strong application, and fight for the benefits you need.

    Call The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. at (847) 299-0008 to schedule your free case evaluation. There’s no fee unless we win your case.

    Questions? We Can Help! Contact Us Today!

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    Why Our Clients Trust Us

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    My experience with Jeffrey A Rabin has been very good.

    My approval of Social Security disability benefits came much quicker than I had expected. I first met with an associate on April 16, 2020 and we filed my application on May 21, 2020. My application was approved on August 3, 2020, only around a four month process. Even though we were at the beginning of this coronavirus outbreak when we started, it was easy to contact them and complete this process.

    David Janis

    Chicago, IL

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    Thank you so much for all you and the staff have done for me.

    It meant a lot to me every time I called and whoever I talked to knew all about my case. It was wonderful that I didn’t get pushed from one person to another. Your staff was always happy; they acted like they personally know me. But most of all I CAN’T BELIEVE HOW FAST YOU HAD MY CASE DONE. You and your staff really put a smile on my face. Thank you for doing what I couldn’t get done. Everyone will know Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associate

    Eric Morris

    Chicago, IL

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    This was an outstanding experience for me from my first appointment to the last.

    This Law Firm was very professional kind and considerate of me and my disability. They knew exactly what it was like for me in the real world and absolutely essential to help me explain that and my disability to the Social Security Administration. I definitely could not have done this without them and they have changed my life for the better forever. In my eyes they are the best social security disability law firm in Chicago and the suburbs.

    Steven Sidbeck

    Chicago, IL

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    I filed for my disability and got denied twice. So I decided that I needed help of a lawyer.

    I began to search and in the process of me searching I always look @ the reviews if I see more bad than good reviews I move on to the next, but not with these guys I didn’t they helped me thru the whole process and assured me if there was a problem or concern I had to reach out and they would help me anyway they could, I dealt with with a few ppl there in the office I must say from the receptionist down to the paralegals they are awesome...

    Danielle Sanders

    Chicago, IL

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    I wanted to say thank you for everything that you did for me, I greatly appreciate it.

    You believed in me when a lot and social security did not. I was a risk for you to pay for my medical records, not knowing if you would win, if I had not won you would have been out of a lot of money and time. I have known other attorney’s, and have worked with them in the past, but they are nothing like you! You are a very kind generous human being with compassion. I pray that God will bless you practice and make you very successful ...

    Patricia M.

    Chicago, IL

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