Pulmonary Fibrosis & Interstitial Lung Disease: Social Security Disability Benefits in Texas
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How SSA Evaluates ILD and Pulmonary Fibrosis Under Blue Book §3.02 and Related Listings
Pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease (ILD) are among the most serious respiratory disorders evaluated by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These conditions cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs, making it increasingly difficult for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream. Over time, even simple activities—walking across a room, climbing stairs, or carrying light objects—can become exhausting.
For many Texans, ILD and pulmonary fibrosis lead to severe breathing limitations, chronic fatigue, and reduced stamina that make full‑time work impossible. If you are struggling with these conditions, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
At MLF Legal, our Texas social security disability lawyers help people gather the right medical evidence, document their symptoms, and build strong interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis and social security disability claims. If pulmonary fibrosis or ILD is affecting your ability to work, call 214‑357‑1782 for a free consultation.
Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis & Interstitial Lung Disease
Pulmonary fibrosis and ILD refer to a group of disorders that cause scarring (fibrosis) and inflammation in the lungs. This scarring stiffens the lung tissue, making it difficult to inhale fully and reducing the lungs’ ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream.
Common types of ILD include:
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Sarcoidosis with lung involvement
Autoimmune‑related ILD (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma)
Occupational lung disease (asbestosis, silicosis)
Drug‑induced lung disease
Radiation‑induced fibrosis
Common symptoms include:
Shortness of breath
Dry, persistent cough
Fatigue
Chest discomfort
Reduced exercise tolerance
Low oxygen levels
Clubbing of the fingers (in advanced cases)
These symptoms often worsen over time, making daily activities and work increasingly difficult.
How SSA Evaluates Pulmonary Fibrosis & ILD Under Listing 3.02
Pulmonary fibrosis and social security disability claims are primarily evaluated under Blue Book Listing 3.02 – Chronic Respiratory Disorders, which focuses on objective medical testing.
1. DLCO Testing (Diffusing Capacity of the Lungs for Carbon Monoxide)
This is the most important test for ILD claims. A low DLCO indicates impaired gas exchange and may meet Listing 3.02B.
2. Spirometry (FEV1 and FVC)
Measures airflow and lung volume. Reduced values may support Listing 3.02A.
3. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Testing
Evaluates oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Low oxygen levels may support disability.
4. Pulse Oximetry
Shows oxygen saturation at rest and during exertion.
5. Imaging
High‑resolution CT (HRCT) scans are critical for diagnosing ILD and showing the extent of fibrosis.
6. 6‑Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Shows how exertion affects oxygen levels and stamina.
7. Hospitalizations & Exacerbations
SSA reviews:
ER visits
Inpatient stays
Exacerbations requiring steroids or oxygen therapy
FAQs About Pulmonary Fibrosis & ILD Social Security Disability Benefits
Does pulmonary fibrosis automatically qualify for disability?
Not automatically. You must show that your condition meets Listing 3.02 or prevents you from sustaining full‑time work through RFC limitations.
What tests are most important for ILD disability claims?
DLCO testing, HRCT scans, spirometry, ABG studies, and 6‑minute walk tests are key.
Can I qualify for disability if I need oxygen?
Yes. The need for supplemental oxygen is strong evidence of severe respiratory impairment and often supports disability approval.
How does SSA evaluate ILD flare‑ups?
SSA reviews ER visits, hospitalizations, and exacerbations requiring steroids or oxygen therapy. Frequent flare‑ups strengthen your claim.
Can autoimmune‑related ILD qualify for disability?
Yes. ILD caused by lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or other autoimmune diseases may qualify under respiratory or autoimmune listings.
How can a lawyer help with an ILD disability claim?
A lawyer helps gather medical evidence, coordinate with your pulmonologist, prepare RFC documentation, and appeal denials.
Do You Need to Meet Listing 3.02 to Qualify?
No. Many ILD and pulmonary fibrosis and social security disability claimants are approved through Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) instead of meeting the listing.
You may qualify if your condition prevents you from:
Walking more than short distances
Standing for long periods
Lifting or carrying objects
Working around dust, fumes, smoke, or chemicals
Maintaining a full‑time schedule
Performing your past work or adjusting to new work
Even if your test results do not meet SSA’s exact thresholds, your symptoms and limitations may still support disability. The SSA evaluates these cases under the sequential evaluation process.
How Pulmonary Fibrosis & ILD Limit Work Ability
ILD and pulmonary fibrosis affect both physical and environmental work functions.
Physical limitations include:
Shortness of breath with minimal exertion
Reduced stamina
Difficulty lifting or carrying
Needing frequent breaks
Inability to walk long distances or climb stairs
Environmental limitations include:
Inability to tolerate dust, fumes, smoke, or chemicals
Sensitivity to temperature extremes
Difficulty working outdoors or in poorly ventilated areas
Attendance issues:
Frequent medical appointments
Exacerbations requiring rest
Hospitalizations
These limitations often make full‑time work unsustainable.
Evidence That Strengthens an ILD or Pulmonary Fibrosis Disability Claim
MLF Legal’s social security disability lawyers help you gather:
HRCT scan results
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
DLCO and ABG testing
Pulse oximetry results
Hospitalization records
Oxygen therapy documentation
Medication lists
Specialist (pulmonologist) notes
RFC forms completed by your doctor
We also help ensure your medical records clearly document:
Frequency of flare‑ups
Response to treatment
Limitations in daily activities
Need for rest or breaks
Environmental sensitivities
Get Help With Your Pulmonary Fibrosis or ILD Disability Claim
Pulmonary fibrosis and ILD are serious, progressive conditions—and SSA’s rules are complex. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
If your breathing problems prevent you from working, call MLF Legal at 214‑357‑1782 for a free case review. We help people all over the United States gather the right evidence, communicate with their doctors, and fight for the benefits they deserve.
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