To qualify for Social Security disability with COPD you need a marked decrease of function from a pulmonary function breathing test. You may meet a Social Security listing based on a Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV) test result. If you are not approved, using this method, then treatment notes from a Pulmonary Specialist commenting on your condition and prognosis are needed. Other things that can be considered are discharge summaries from hospital visits, X-rays, MRI’s or CT scans along with bloodwork and any physical therapy you may have undergone.

To satisfy Social Security’s disability requirements, the doctor must list any limitations of the patient including how it would adversely affect them working with this condition.

Qualifying conditions would be chronic bronchitis or emphysema with the most common symptoms being shortness of breath, lack of energy, wheezing, rapid breathing rate, chest tightness and excessive mucus. In severe cases, complications such as pulmonary hypertension, weight loss and heart failure can occur. Bronchodilators and corticosteroids are often used to treat COPD.