If you suffer from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and the symptoms have advanced to the point where you cannot hold down a job, you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits by utilizing the Compassionate Allowance list. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is one of the medical conditions that automatically qualify you for disability benefits.
However, you have to demonstrate that the symptoms of the disease are severe enough by submitting persuasive medical evidence to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Since idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis impacts the lungs, you can expect to submit the results of diagnostic tests.
What is Compassionate Allowance?
Before 2008, applicants for Social Security disability benefits had to wait a considerable amount of time to learn about the status of their claims. Even applicants that suffered from debilitating diseases had to go through the standard claims process.
The SSA changed that by introducing the Compassionate Allowance list, which describes every medical condition that can fast-track a disability claim for approval. The Compassionate Allowance list contains more than 200 medical conditions that qualify for disability benefits.
The program not only fast-tracks certain medical conditions, but it also ensures a claimant receive compensation much faster when approved for disability benefits. You do not have to submit additional information on the SSA application, as you should have already attached the medical documents you need to receive approval.
If there is a waiting period, Medicare acts as a temporary source of financial assistance until your Social Security disability benefits kick in. You might also qualify for retroactive payments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Compassionate Allowance and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
If you get a request for compassionate allowance for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis approved, you can expect a shorter claims process that automatically qualifies you for financial assistance. The disease caused the deep tissues in the lung to stiffen over a short period, which inhibits the flow of oxygen to the rest of the body.
If you can demonstrate that you suffer from rapid weight loss, acute shortness of breath, and/or prolonged bouts with fatigue, then you might get your disability claim fast-tracked by the SSA. Advanced cases of the disease can trigger life-threatening lung infections and blood clots.
Submitting Convincing Medical Evidence
Getting a Compassionate Allowance for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis requires you to present the results of a series of diagnostic tests. Imaging tests such as chest x-rays CT scans can display the severity of the tissue scarring in and around the lungs. In addition to hard evidence like the results of imaging tests, your physician might also put you through one or more lung function tests.
A pulmonary function test involves you exhaling quickly and with force through a tube that is attached to a machine. The machine measures your lung capacity to determine how advanced the disease has progressed. You also might have to undergo one or more exercise stress tests to determine your stamina.
Getting Disability Benefits Approve for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
The disability claim process can be frustratingly complicated, especially if you utilize the Compassionate Allowance to fast-track your claim. By working with a Social Security disability attorney, you can gather and organize the medical evidence you need to match the severity of symptoms requirements established by the SSA. Your lawyer can also keep track of your request for Compassionate Allowance approval.
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