Mycobacterial, Mycotic, and Other Chronic, Persistent Infections of the Lung – Overview
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Mycobacterial and Mycotic infections are two of the more prevalent damaging kinds of chronic, persistent lung infections. Numerous other types of lung infections may also result in impairment in their victims. Generally, lung infections are incapacitating because they reduce the amount of oxygen obtained, resulting in shortness of breath, exhaustion, and low blood oxygen levels (with all of the potential problems that causes).
Bacterial elements produce mycobacterial lung infections, also known as Mycobacterium avium-intracellular infections. It frequently begins with a persistent, frequently dry cough. Along with the circulation issues it can bring, the illness can occasionally present with symptoms such as fever, weight loss, malabsorption, and diarrhea. Antibiotics are frequently used to treat mycobacterial infections.
Similar to fungal lung infections, mycotic lung infections are caused by a fungus source within the lungs. Mycotic infections are more prevalent in people who live in hot, humid areas and are frequently caused by fungal spore inhalation. Frequently, mycotic lung infections emerge as a side effect of antibiotic therapy. This is because antibiotics do not differentiate between “good” and “bad” bacteria in the body, and hence eliminate both. In a healthy system, beneficial bacteria would combat Mycotic illness caused by fungi.
Mycobacterial and mycotic lung infections are just two of the numerous types of chronic lung infections that can result in significant impairment. All lung infections impair a person’s ability to breathe in some way, impacting the circulatory system in the process. Due to the fact that nearly every function of the body is dependent on oxygen supplied by the lungs, a loss of lung function can have a profound effect on the entire body and its capacity to conduct ordinary, daily tasks.
Persistent Lung Infection, Mycobacterial, Mycotic, or Other Chronic, , Application for Social Security Disability
The SSA’s Blue Book Section 3.08 discusses the specifics of filing for Social Security disability benefits with a diagnosis of Mycobacterial, Mycotic, or other chronic, persistent lung illness. The disease is mostly evaluated using the pulmonary infection criteria described in Section 3.02. This comprises physical examinations and medical testing to determine the residual lung functional capacity.
There are two primary methods for expressing lung function. To be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, a claimant’s overall lung function must be less than 40% of normal. The two key metrics used to determine this are as follows:
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) – obtained through a spirogram test that determines the amount of gas that’s currently in the lungs at the time of closure.
- Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV) – sometimes known as a spirogram, this test determines how much air is breathed in one second.
A person’s FVC and FEV must fall under specific ranges in order to qualify as disabled under Social Security Administration standards. These ranges take the claimant’s height and weight into consideration, as well as the elevation above sea level at which the tests are administered. Due to the fact that obesity is frequently considered a determinant in lung function, it is frequently used to support a disability claim when a person is both obese and has lung infections.
Individuals who fulfill the prescribed FEV and FVC measurements qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Those who do not meet this requirement may nevertheless qualify if they can demonstrate that their residual functional capacity has been lowered to the point that they cannot reasonably be expected to continue working.
As is the case with other ailments, persons seeking Social Security Disability payments for chronic recurrent lung infections should make a point of listing any and all disabling conditions, both medical and physical, that they may have. This is because the totality of your disabilities may be deemed to equal or exceed a Blue Book listing, even though none of them individually qualifies you for disability benefits.
You must attach the longitudinal medical form with your claim, which should include all test results and your reaction to them. In particular, The Social Security Administration wants to see that you are following your doctor’s treatment plan and are still unable to return to work within twelve months of the commencement of the condition.
Your Disability Case for Mycobacterial, Mycotic, and Other Chronic, Persistent Lung Infections
You may be tempted to believe that chronic lung infection claims are straightforward. After all, if you are unable to breathe effectively, you are unable to perform many other tasks. However, getting these claims recognized by the SSA is not always straightforward.
The majority of claimants find it beneficial to have a knowledgeable Social Security Disability attorney handle their cases. Not only does this alleviate some of the stress associated with filing for disability, but it also significantly increases your chances of having your claim approved, particularly in the early stages.
To obtain a free disability evaluation for your chronic, persistent lung infection disability case, complete the online request form.