Breathing Disorders

Social Security Disability Lawyers

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers a number of conditions severe enough to prevent you from working. Regardless of the condition, all impairments are subject to evaluation and you must meet certain criteria to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

Though most conditions listed by the SSA as disabling are permanent or are expected to result in death, those that are not require evidence showing that the condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year. Our dedicated Social Security Disability lawyers are here to help and support you during this time.

Your Condition

Breathing disorders affect millions of Americans and often require ongoing treatment. The impairments caused by serious breathing disorders are usually permanent and may qualify you for SSD benefits.

The SSA lists the following breathing disorders:

  • asthma
  • cystic fibrosis (genetic condition that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract)
  • pneumoconiosis (lung disease usually acquired by workers exposed to dust)
  • bronchiectasis (destruction and widening of parts of the lungs)
  • microbial infections of the lungs
  • sleep-related breathing disorders (such as sleep apnea, a condition that results in breathing repeatedly stopping and starting while asleep)

SSA Evaluation

Certain breathing disorders are considered disabling by the SSA and may qualify you for either SSD or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits dependent on the severity of the condition.

Because symptoms of breathing disorders are common to many other diseases, a thorough medical history, physical examination, and chest x-ray or other appropriate imaging technique are required to establish whether or not you have a serious breathing disorder. Testing is needed to determine the severity of your problem. Tests will vary depending on your symptoms.

The most common symptoms of breathing disorders are:

  • chest pain
  • coughing
  • coughing up sputum or blood
  • shortness of breath
  • wheezing

Have Questions?

Free Online Consultation

Together, our lawyers have more than 150 years of experience and, with a staff of more than 140 attorneys and case managers who handle more than 8,000 disability cases each year, we can help determine if you qualify for benefits. Our Social Security Disability attorneys treat you like family and handle your case with integrity. We know how to apply, how to appeal, and how to help. Call our Social Security Disability attorneys today at (866)-684-7216 or fill out a free online consultation form by clicking the link below.

Free Social Security Disability Consultation

How Can a Lawyer Help?

Having the help of an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer on your side may increase your chances of being approved for benefits. We can help you:


  • file your claim
  • process complicated paperwork
  • handle your appeal
  • and more
Read more about contacting a Social Security Disability Lawyer

About FSTN

Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin has a reputation for success and handles Social Security Disability (SSD) cases across the country, partnering with many law firms. By partnering with premier injury law firms throughout the country, our Social Security Disability lawyers easily serve the needs of clients no matter where they live.

More about our Social Security Disability Lawyers