Yes, sleep apnea can potentially qualify for SSDI or SSI if the applicant’s medical condition meets the criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To meet medical requirements, you must show how sleep apnea impacts your ability to function and perform work-related activities for at least 12 months or more.
Sleep apnea can be identified by observing the frequency and duration of daytime sleepiness, cognitive impairments, decreased concentration, and other limitations it causes.
How SSA defines sleep apnea
Sleep apnea may not be listed specifically in the Social Security Administration’s “Listing of Impairments,” which outlines the medical criteria for disabilities. However, it falls into the respiratory disorders category and can be a disabling condition.
When seeking disability benefits for sleep apnea, providing medical evidence confirming a respiratory disorder is crucial. Additionally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for benefits. Specifically, individuals must meet one of the following conditions:
- Chronic respiratory failure: To determine this, you must provide documentation of your arterial blood gas levels or an oxygen saturation measurement that meets specific criteria while awake.
- Daytime hypersomnolence: It can be proven through medical evidence that an individual has excessive daytime sleepiness, which can be evaluated through a sleep study or other diagnostic testing.
- Cor pulmonale: Right-sided heart enlargement or dysfunction, also referred to as cor pulmonale, is a medical condition resulting from respiratory disorders. It is characterized by an increase in the size of the heart’s right ventricle, which is caused by the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively due to lung disease. This condition can be diagnosed through medical evidence, such as imaging studies or diagnostic testing, which confirms the presence of the condition.
- Functional limitations, such as reduced stamina, cognitive impairments, or other effects of sleep apnea, should be documented and explained in your disability claim. Sleep apnea can also cause anxiety, depression, heart disease, and strokes.
Is sleep apnea a disability?
Yes, sleep apnea can be considered a disability under certain circumstances. Sleep apnea is a medical condition that affects a person’s ability to breathe properly during sleep, leading to interruptions in breathing and poor sleep quality. In some cases, if you have severe sleep apnea disability that interferes with a person’s daily functioning and impacts their ability to work or engage in other activities.
Determining if sleep apnea qualifies as a disability depends on the severity of the condition and its impact on an individual’s ability to perform substantial gainful activity as defined by the Social Security Administration. The SSA evaluates disability claims based on specific criteria, including medical evidence, functional limitations, and the ability to engage in substantial gainful activity.
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
The common symptoms of sleep apnea can vary among individuals and may include:
- Loud and chronic snoring: It’s not uncommon to experience snoring when dealing with sleep apnea, and it can be quite bothersome due to its loud and disruptive nature.
- Breathing pauses during sleep: Episodes of interrupted breathing, known as apneas, can occur repeatedly throughout the night.
- Morning headaches: Waking up with a headache is another potential symptom of sleep apnea.
- Restless sleep: Sleep may be fragmented and restless due to interruptions in breathing.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness: Individuals with sleep apnea often experience excessive daytime sleepiness, even after a full night’s sleep.
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems: Sleep apnea can affect cognitive function, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and attention.
I am eligible for sleep apnea disability benefits. What will be the next step?
The next step is to apply for sleep apnea disability benefits. It involves the following steps:
- Gather medical documentation: Collect all relevant medical records, including sleep study results, treatment records, and reports from your healthcare providers. These documents will provide evidence of your diagnosis.
- Complete the disability application: Fill out the necessary forms provided by the Social Security Administration to apply for disability benefits either online or by visiting the local office or by calling the SSA’s office at 1-800-772-1213.
- Submit supporting evidence: Along with your application, include all the medical documentation you gathered to support your claim.
- Follow up and provide additional information: After submitting your application, contact the SSA and respond promptly if they request additional information or schedule a consultative examination.
Can limitations from sleep apnea qualify for disability?
Yes, limitations resulting from sleep apnea can potentially qualify for disability benefits if they meet the eligibility criteria set by the Social Security Administration.
Sleep apnea can come with several limitations such as feeling excessively sleepy during the day, having difficulty concentrating, feeling tired, and experiencing reduced physical ability due to decreased oxygen levels while sleeping. These limitations can have a significant impact on a person’s job performance and may even qualify as a disability according to the SSA’s criteria.
How much is the disability check for sleep apnea?
If you are struggling with sleep apnea and qualify for SSDI, $3,627 is the maximum monthly benefit. For SSI, $914 is the maximum monthly benefit. Although, the disability check amount may differ owing to the work and income history.
Disability benefits denied? Contact Rod Deus Attorney
Receiving a denial of your disability benefits can be a discouraging experience. However, you can seek legal assistance from a Disability Attorney. If you have been denied disability benefits, seeking the assistance of legal experts in this field can greatly increase your chances of having the decision overturned. These professionals possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in disability law, and can help guide you through the appeals process with confidence and ease. Don’t let a denial of benefits discourage you – reach out to these experts today and get the support you need to fight for what you deserve.
Our team has a thorough understanding of the intricate nature of disability claims and possesses the expertise and experience necessary to construct a compelling case on your behalf. We can gather the necessary evidence and navigate the legal requirements for you. Schedule a free consultation by calling 504-588-9123 and learn about your denial of the disability claim.
