Living with cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lifelong challenge. For many adults, CF doesn’t just affect breathing — it impacts energy, nutrition, hospitalizations, and the ability to work consistently. If CF has reached a point where maintaining employment is no longer possible, Social Security Disability benefits may be available under Listing 3.04.

At the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C., we help Illinois residents with serious medical conditions understand their rights and pursue disability benefits with clarity and confidence. Below is a plain-English explanation of how SSA Listing 3.04 for cystic fibrosis works.

What Is Social Security Listing 3.04?

Listing 3.04 applies specifically to adults with cystic fibrosis, as documented by appropriate medical evidence. Unlike some disability listings, you only need to meet one qualifying category (A through G) to be considered disabled under this listing.

That said, the medical criteria are detailed and missing documentation is one of the most common reasons CF claims are denied.

1. Severely Reduced Lung Function (FEV1 Testing)

One way to qualify is through pulmonary function testing, specifically FEV1 results.

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

• Height (without shoes)
• Age
• Sex

If your FEV1 is at or below SSA’s threshold for your profile, you may qualify under Listing 3.04 even if you are still receiving treatment or not on continuous oxygen.

1. Repeated Hospitalizations Due to CF Complications

Cystic fibrosis often leads to frequent exacerbations. You may qualify if you have had:

• Three hospitalizations
• Within a 12-month period
• At least 30 days apart
• Due to CF-related complications

Importantly, each hospitalization can be any length, it does not need to last 48 hours as required under other respiratory listings.

1. Spontaneous Pneumothorax Requiring a Chest Tube

If CF has caused a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) that required chest tube placement, this alone can meet the listing criteria.

Proper hospital records and imaging reports are critical here.

1. Respiratory Failure Requiring Assisted Ventilation

You may qualify if you experienced respiratory failure related to CF that required:

• Invasive mechanical ventilation, or
• Noninvasive ventilation (such as BiPAP), or
• A combination of both

The ventilation must last:

• At least 48 continuous hours, or
• 72 hours if it occurred after surgery

1. Pulmonary Hemorrhage Requiring Embolization

Some CF patients experience severe pulmonary bleeding. If bleeding was serious enough to require vascular embolization to control it, Social Security considers this a qualifying event under Listing 3.04.

1. Chronically Low Oxygen Levels (SpO₂ Testing)

Another path to qualification involves oxygen saturation levels measured by pulse oximetry.

You may qualify if your SpO₂ levels were at or below SSA thresholds:

• At rest
• During a 6-minute walk test
• Or immediately after exertion

These low readings must be documented twice within a 12-month period, at least 30 days apart.

1. Multiple Serious CF-Related Complications

Even if none of the above apply alone, you may still qualify if you experienced two qualifying complications within a 12-month period, such as:

• Pulmonary exacerbations requiring 10 consecutive days of IV antibiotics
• Hospitalization for pulmonary hemorrhage
• Significant weight loss requiring tube feeding or IV nutrition for at least 90 days
• Cystic fibrosis–related diabetes (CFRD) requiring daily insulin therapy for at least 90 days

These combined effects often reflect the real-world impact CF has on daily life and work capacity.

Why CF Disability Claims Are Often Denied

Despite clear eligibility, many CF claims are denied because:

• Hospitalizations are not clearly tied to CF
• Pulmonary testing is incomplete or outdated
• Nutrition or diabetes complications aren’t properly documented
• SSA reviewers overlook qualifying combinations of impairments

This is where experienced legal guidance can make a meaningful difference.

How Our Office Helps

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

• Reviewing medical records for listing-level evidence
• Identifying the strongest qualifying category under Listing 3.04
• Coordinating records from pulmonologists and hospitals
• Preparing claims and appeals with clear, organized evidence
• Advocating for clients at every stage of the process

You should not have to decode complex medical regulations while managing a serious illness.

Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one is living with cystic fibrosis and struggling to work, Social Security Disability benefits may be available,even if you’ve been denied before.

📞 If you have questions about your estate plan or a probate matter, contact the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. at (708) 529-7794 — Your Neighborhood Law Firm.