Most of us take the ability to breathe the air around us for granted. It is something our bodies do naturally, without effort or thought. For some, however, the process of breathing is not so simple. There are serious medical conditions that can complicate the body's ability to obtain the oxygen it needs. Chronic restrictive ventilatory disease, also known as chronic restrictive lung disease, is one of these conditions. Oftentimes the individuals who suffer from this condition are unable to perform the easiest of daily living tasks, let alone maintain the responsibilities of full-time employment. In these cases, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to help.
Chronic Restrictive Ventilatory Disease - Condition and Symptoms
Chronic restrictive ventilatory disease is a type of respiratory disease that prevents the lungs from expanding, making it hard for individuals to breathe. The condition results in a decreased lung volume, making it harder for the individual to breathe. This, in turn, provides inadequate oxygenation to the cells of the body.
The symptoms of chronic restrictive ventilatory disease can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the specific type of chronic restrictive lung disease an individual is suffering from. Common symptoms of chronic restrictive ventilatory disease include reduced lung volume, disease of the pleura or chest wall, reduced total lung capacity, reduced resting lung volume, preserved airflow, airway resistance, difficulty breathing and a chronic cough.
It is not uncommon for the symptoms of chronic restrictive ventilatory disease to interfere with the ability to maintain full-time employment. Because of this, individuals who are suffering from the condition should apply for Social Security Disability benefits if the condition prevents them from performing substantial gainful activity.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Chronic Restrictive Ventilatory Disease
The Social Security Administration (SSA) does acknowledge chronic restrictive ventilatory disease as one of the disabling conditions in its published guidelines of disabling impairments. When evaluating a claim based on this condition, the SSA will not take into account the cause of the disease, but will focus on the severity of the restrictive ventilatory disorder. To do this, they use a chart that is based on your height and forced vital capacity using a spirometric test. If the test results show that your condition meets the SSA's impairment guidelines, you will likely qualify for Social Security Disability benefits from the SSA.
It is important to note that even if you do not meet the testing requirements of the SSA’s spirometric test, you may still apply for Social Security Disability benefits if you feel that your condition still prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity. You will have to prove, however, that your condition does prevent you from performing any type of work activity and you will likely be denied benefits at the initial stage of the application process. Because of this, you will need to pursue the disability appeal process and will have to work to prove your case to an administrative law judge at a disability hearing.
Chronic Restrictive Ventilatory Disease and Your Social Security Disability Case
If your initial claim for Social Security Disability benefits is not approved by the SSA, that does not mean that you will not be able to fight for the benefits you may be entitled to. You will, however, have to endure the lengthy and complicated disability appeal process.
The key in winning your disability appeal is proving to the administrative law judge that your condition prevents you from performing any type of work activity. If your test results do not fall within the SSA's set guidelines, your advocate or attorney can submit other forms of evidence that prove the extent of your disability to the administrative law judge who is hearing your case. Your advocate or attorney may request additional testing, more medical records and testimonies from expert witnesses to support your Social Security Disability case. The good news is that nearly two-thirds of disability applicants are approved for benefits at the hearing stage of the disability appeal process.
If you are considering filing for disability benefits, you should consult with a disability lawyer. Your chances of winning your disability case are greatly increased with proper legal representation. These professionals will know what it takes to prove that your chronic restrictive ventilatory disease affects your ability to work and will do whatever is necessary to provide sufficient evidence to the SSA supporting this fact.
