Chronic Lung Infections & Social Security Disability Benefits in Texas
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How SSA Evaluates Tuberculosis, Fungal Infections, Mycobacterial Disease, and Other Chronic Pulmonary Infections
Chronic lung infections can be debilitating, persistent, and life‑altering. Conditions like tuberculosis (TB), fungal infections, and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease often cause long‑term lung damage, repeated hospitalizations, and severe breathing limitations. For many Texans, these infections make full‑time work impossible.
If you are living with a chronic lung infection that affects your ability to breathe, exert yourself, or maintain consistent attendance at work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
At MLF Legal, our social security disability lawyers help Texans gather the right medical evidence, document their symptoms, and build strong disability claims. If you are struggling with chronic lung infections and social security disability questions are on your mind, give us a call at 214‑357‑1782 for a free consultation.
Understanding Chronic Lung Infections
Chronic lung infections occur when bacteria, fungi, or other organisms cause long‑term inflammation, scarring, or structural damage to the lungs. These infections often require prolonged treatment and may lead to permanent respiratory impairment.
Common chronic lung infections include:
Tuberculosis (TB)
Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, such as MAC
Fungal infections, including:
Histoplasmosis
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)
Aspergillosis
Blastomycosis
Chronic bacterial infections
Recurrent pneumonia
Bronchiectasis‑related infections
Common symptoms include:
Chronic cough
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Fatigue
Fever or night sweats
Weight loss
Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
Frequent respiratory flare‑ups
These symptoms often worsen over time and can severely limit daily functioning.
How SSA Evaluates Chronic Lung Infections
Chronic lung infections are evaluated under Blue Book Listing 3.02 – Chronic Respiratory Disorders, but may also involve other listings depending on complications.
SSA focuses on objective medical evidence, including:
1. Imaging
Chest X‑rays
CT scans
High‑resolution CT (HRCT)
These tests show scarring, cavitation, nodules, or bronchiectasis.
2. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
FEV1
FVC
DLCO
Reduced values support disability.
3. Sputum Cultures & Lab Testing
Positive cultures for TB, NTM, or fungal organisms help confirm diagnosis.
4. Hospitalizations & Exacerbations
SSA reviews:
ER visits
Inpatient stays
IV antibiotic treatments
Recurrent flare‑ups
5. Treatment Duration
Many chronic infections require:
Months or years of antibiotics
Antifungal therapy
Steroids
Oxygen therapy
Long‑term treatment supports disability claims.
FAQs About Chronic Lung Infection Social Security Disability Benefits
Can chronic lung infections qualify for Social Security disability?
Yes. TB, fungal infections, NTM disease, and other chronic infections may qualify if they cause severe breathing limitations or frequent flare‑ups.
What tests are important for a chronic lung infection disability claim?
CT scans, sputum cultures, pulmonary function tests, and hospitalization records are key.
Can I qualify if I need long‑term antibiotics?
Yes. Long‑term antibiotic or antifungal therapy supports disability, especially when combined with reduced lung function.
Can chronic infections cause permanent lung damage?
Yes. Many infections cause scarring, bronchiectasis, or fibrosis, which can support disability approval.
How does SSA evaluate flare‑ups?
SSA reviews ER visits, hospitalizations, and exacerbations requiring IV antibiotics or steroids.
How can a lawyer help with a chronic lung infection disability claim?
A lawyer helps gather medical evidence, coordinate with specialists, prepare RFC documentation, and appeal denials. An experienced social security disability attorney can craft a strategy to give a judge exactly what they are looking for to give a positive ruling.
Do You Need to Meet Listing 3.02 to Qualify?
No. Many chronic lung infection claimants qualify 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 consistent attendance
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. This is part of the sequential evaluation process set up by the Social Security Administration.
How Chronic Lung Infections Limit Work Ability
Chronic lung infections and social security disability affect both physical and environmental work functions.
Physical limitations include:
Shortness of breath
Reduced stamina
Chronic fatigue
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 in poorly ventilated areas
Attendance issues:
Frequent medical appointments
Long‑term antibiotic therapy
Hospitalizations
Flare‑ups requiring rest
These limitations often make full‑time work unsustainable.
Evidence That Strengthens a Chronic Lung Infection Disability Claim
MLF Legal helps you gather:
Imaging (X‑ray, CT, HRCT)
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
Sputum cultures and lab results
Hospitalization records
IV antibiotic treatment records
Oxygen therapy documentation
Medication lists
Specialist (infectious disease or pulmonologist) notes
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 Chronic Lung Infection Disability Claim
Chronic lung infections are serious, persistent, and often disabling—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. Our social security disability lawyers help Texans, and people all over the United States, gather the right evidence, communicate with their doctors, and fight for the benefits they deserve.
Call MLF Legal today
214-357-1782
Fill out our online form
for a free consultation.
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