If you suffer from severe emphysema, you may be approved automatically for disability benefits if you either meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA) listing requirements for COPD (chronic pulmonary insufficiency), or if your doctor's restrictions on what you can do limit you so much that there are no jobs left ...

How hard is it to get disability for emphysema?

To be considered disabled, you will need to provide sufficient medical evidence to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to illustrate that your COPD is severe enough to warrant disability payments. The burden of proof falls on the SSDI applicant to prove that you are unable to work due to your COPD diagnosis.

Is emphysema a long term disability?

If you have been diagnosed with emphysema and are unable to work as a result you may be eligible for LTD benefits through your group or individual insurance policy. Depending on the terms and conditions policy, you would likely receive a monthly payment of 50 to 60% of your salary.