If a serious respiratory condition makes it hard for you to breathe, work, or get through daily activities, you may wonder whether Social Security Disability benefits are available. The answer is often yes, but qualifying depends on very specific medical criteria.

At the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C., we help Illinois residents navigate complex disability claims, including those involving chronic lung disease and asthma. Below is a plain-English breakdown of two key Social Security listings in the Respiratory System category that frequently apply to adults.

Listing 3.02: Chronic Respiratory Disorders (Other Than Cystic Fibrosis)

Social Security Listing 3.02 covers serious, long-term breathing disorders such as COPD, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, and other lung diseases — regardless of the underlying cause.

You may qualify if any one of the following medical standards is met.

1. Very Low FEV1 Results (Pulmonary Function Testing)

FEV1 measures how much air you can forcefully exhale in one second. Social Security compares your test results to strict cutoff values based on your:

• Height
• Age
• Sex

If your FEV1 is at or below Social Security’s threshold for your physical profile, you may meet the listing, even if you are not on oxygen.

Many people are surprised to learn they already meet these criteria based on pulmonary testing done by their doctor.

1. Very Low FVC Results

FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) measures the total amount of air you can exhale after a deep breath. Like FEV1, Social Security uses tables that adjust for height, age, and sex.

If your FVC results fall below the SSA cutoff, you may qualify under Listing 3.02 even if other tests are borderline.

1. Impaired Oxygen or Gas Exchange

Some lung conditions don’t always show up clearly on basic breathing tests, which is why Social Security also looks at how well your lungs exchange oxygen.

You may qualify if medical testing shows poor oxygen transfer, including:

• DLCO testing showing reduced gas diffusion
• Arterial blood gas (ABG) tests with low oxygen levels
• Pulse oximetry (SpO₂) showing chronically low oxygen saturation at rest, during walking tests, or after exertion

These objective tests can be powerful evidence when properly documented.

1. Repeated Hospitalizations

Even if your test results are slightly above cutoff values, you may still qualify if your condition causes frequent serious flare-ups, including:

• Three hospitalizations
• Within a 12-month period
• At least 30 days apart
• Each lasting 48 hours or more (ER time counts if it leads to admission)

This applies to conditions like severe COPD exacerbations, pneumonia complications, or respiratory failure episodes.

Listing 3.03: Asthma (Adults)

Asthma claims are evaluated separately under Listing 3.03, and Social Security requires both medical testing and hospitalization history.

1. Reduced FEV1 on Testing

Adults with asthma must show significantly reduced FEV1 values on pulmonary testing, adjusted for height, age, and sex, similar to Listing 3.02, but with asthma-specific thresholds.

Importantly, these tests must be taken within the same 12-month period as the hospitalizations described below.

1. Repeated Severe Asthma Attacks Requiring Hospitalization

To meet Listing 3.03, you must also show:

• Three asthma-related hospitalizations
• Within a 12-month period
• At least 30 days apart
• Each lasting 48 hours or more

If you meet both parts, Social Security generally considers you disabled for at least one year following your last hospitalization.

Why Respiratory Disability Claims Are Often Denied

Many valid claims are denied because:

• Medical records are incomplete or poorly organized
• Test results are submitted without proper context
• Hospitalizations are not clearly documented
• SSA reviewers overlook qualifying evidence

That’s where experienced legal guidance can make a real difference.

How Our Office Helps

At the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C., we help clients by:

• Reviewing pulmonary function tests and oxygen studies
• Identifying whether SSA listings are met
• Gathering and organizing hospital records
• Communicating directly with Social Security
• Representing clients through appeals when necessary

You don’t have to decipher these medical tables or legal standards on your own.

Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one suffers from chronic lung disease, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or severe asthma, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, even if you’ve been denied before.

📞 If you have questions about a disability claim, contact the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. at (708) 529-7794 — Your Neighborhood Law Firm.