Social Security Disability Lawyers for Breathing Disorders

If your breathing disorder prevents you from doing your job and earning income, you should contact the Indiana Social Security Disability lawyers of Hankey Marks & Crider immediately for legal assistance. You might qualify for social security disability benefits. We can help you complete an application and guide you through the claims process. You shouldn’t suffer any longer because of a disabling condition. Let us get you the benefit payments you need to afford your treatment and daily living expenses.

Breathing is essential to life. When it becomes difficult for a person to breathe, it can cause extreme discomfort and a range of unpleasant symptoms. Breathing problems can range from mild to severe, and some indicate life-threatening medical conditions.

At Hankey Marks & Crider, our Social Security Disability lawyers understand how important supporting yourself and your family is. When you can’t maintain adequate employment, you can struggle to afford essential expenses. We have over 80 years of combined experience representing clients in need of Social Security Disability benefits. When you hire us, we will be your advocate and seek the maximum payments you deserve.

For a free consultation, call us at (317) 634-8565 or complete our online form.

What Is a Breathing Disorder?

breathing disorder is a medical condition affecting your ability to breathe normally. It can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and many other symptoms. Common breathing disorders affect the lungs and how they function. They include:

Asthma – Narrowing, and inflammation of the airways. Common symptoms are:

  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tightness in the chest

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – A group of diseases leading to poor lung function. Symptoms include:

  • Chronic coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Low oxygen levels
  • Increased mucus production

Epiglottitis – An infection resulting in swollen tissue around the windpipe. Common symptoms are:

  • Trouble breathing and swallowing
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Drooling
  • Hoarse voice

Pneumonia – Lung inflammation and a buildup of pus and fluid. Symptoms could include:

  • Chills
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle pain
  • Coughing
  • Sweating
  • Exhaustion
  • Chest pain
  • Fever

Pulmonary embolism – Arteries carrying blood to the lungs become blocked, typically from a blood clot somewhere else in the body that broke loose and traveled to the lungs. Common symptoms include:

  • Dizziness
  • Coughing
  • Swollen legs
  • Wheezing
  • Profuse sweating
  • Chest pain
  • Abnormal heart rate

Pulmonary hypertension – Hardening or narrowing of the arteries in the lungs that results from high blood pressure affecting the arteries. Symptoms might include:

  • Extreme tiredness
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty exercising
  • Shortness of breath

If you have any of these or some other type of breathing disorder diagnosed by your doctor, you should contact Hankey Marks & Crider for a consultation. We can review your medical records and determine whether you’re eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

Do I Qualify for Social Security?

Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are benefits provided through federal programs. They’re available for individuals and couples affected by a disabling condition that prevents them from returning to work. These benefits replace lost income and can also pay for basic needs, such as food.

Social Security Disability Benefits

You can apply for SSD benefits if your breathing disorder has prevented you from maintaining employment for longer than six months. Your average income and the number of years you worked before your disability began will determine your payment amount. The longer you worked, the more money you could receive because benefits come from the Social Security taxes taken out of your paychecks while you had a job.

If you’re collecting SSD payments, some members of your family could also receive benefits, including:

  • A spouse
  • Children
  • A divorced spouse
  • Adult children with a disability that began before they reached the age of 22

Supplemental Security Income Benefits

SSI benefits are for qualifying individuals and couples whose resources don’t exceed $2,000 and $3,000, respectively. Resources might include:

  • Land
  • Cash
  • Bank accounts
  • Personal property
  • Vehicles
  • Stocks and bonds
  • Life insurance

Cash benefits are also available to cover any basic needs you have, such as shelter, food, and clothing.

The Social Security Administration asks these five questions to determine if you’re eligible to collect SSD benefits:

  • Are you still working and earning less than $1,310 every month?
  • Has or will your breathing disorder limit your ability to perform basic job tasks for at least 12 months?
  • Is your disability on the list of medical conditions?
  • Does your condition prevent you from doing any jobs you had in the past?
  • Can you perform other kinds of work based on your experience, age, education, and skills?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” you might not qualify for benefit payments through the Social Security Administration.

How to Apply for Benefits

You have three options for filing an SSD or SSI claim:

  • Online – Go to the Social Security Administration website to apply online. There’s a step-by-step guide you can follow to initiate your claim.
  • Phone – Call 1-800-772-1213 to speak to an SSA representative. They can answer any questions you have and mail you an application to complete.
  • In-person – You can also visit a Social Security office in your area.

However, your best option is to contact a qualified Social Security Disability lawyer from Hankey Marks & Crider. We can handle the entire application process on your behalf to ensure the SSA receives complete and accurate information about your situation.

Contact Hankey Marks & Crider for Your Free Consultation

Hankey Marks & Crider has a team of legal representatives available 24/7, so you can reach us when you need us most. We can provide the personalized attention you need and deserve. Many law firms treat their clients as just another number. When you hire us, we will treat you as a priority. You can count on us to work hard to meet your needs and recover the maximum benefits owed to you.

We know a breathing disorder doesn’t only cause physical symptoms but can also affect your mental health and personal life. Hankey Marks & Crider has the tools and resources to get you the SSD or SSI benefits necessary to afford your medical care so you can treat your symptoms.

Do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case. Call us at (317) 634-8565 if your breathing disorder prevents you from working and you need assistance applying for benefits, appealing a denied claim, or filing a lawsuit.