Loud snoring, gasping for air, and constant daytime exhaustion—if you're one of the estimated 25 million Americans suffering from sleep apnea, you know how debilitating this condition can be. For some, sleep apnea symptoms are so severe that holding down a job becomes impossible. If you've reached the point where a sleep apnea disability is preventing you from working, you may be wondering if you could qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
At Phillip Hendry Law, we understand how challenging it is to manage daily life when you're battling severe sleep apnea. We can help determine if you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and guide you through the application process. While a sleep apnea diagnosis alone isn't enough to be approved for disability, we'll work with you to document the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work.
How to Qualify for Disability Benefits With Sleep Apnea
The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a Listing of Impairments that outlines the severity criteria for various disabling conditions. Although a sleep apnea disability is not listed, you may still qualify for benefits under Listing 3: Respiratory Disorders if you can prove your sleep apnea causes one or more of the following conditions:
- Chronic heart failure
- Chronic pulmonary hypertension (a type of high blood pressure)
- Disturbances in mood, cognition, and behavior
- Other impairments listed by the SSA
If your sleep apnea doesn't meet these severity requirements, you may still qualify for benefits if you can show your sleep apnea symptoms prevent you from maintaining full-time employment. The key is providing sufficient medical evidence and documenting how your condition limits your ability to function. Keeping a detailed sleep journal, undergoing a sleep study, and getting regular treatment from a sleep specialist can help establish the severity of your condition.
Document Your Sleep Apnea Disability Symptoms and Limitations
When applying for disability benefits, providing extensive medical evidence is key. A disability lawyer can help you gather documentation showing:
- An official diagnosis of sleep apnea from a qualified physician
- Overnight sleep study results indicating the severity of your condition
- Treatment records showing your response to CPAP therapy, medications, or surgery
- Cardiology exams indicating heart failure or other cardiovascular conditions
- Evaluations of any cognitive difficulties caused by sleep disturbances
Include statements from your treating physicians explaining how your sleep apnea affects your ability to function. The more specific they can be about your limitations, the better. For example, if frequent daytime drowsiness makes operating machinery or driving long distances unsafe, your doctor should state that in their report.
To qualify for disability benefits, you must prove your sleep apnea symptoms prevent you from earning above the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. Provide pay stubs, W2s, or profit/loss statements to verify your income is below SGA limits. If you stopped working, get a letter from your former employer explaining how sleep apnea impacted your job performance.
Medical Vocational Allowance
If your sleep apnea doesn't meet any of the SSA listings, you may still qualify for benefits through a medical vocational allowance. The SSA will consider your age, work history, transferrable skills, educational background, and medical conditions to determine if you can perform any type of work.
To be approved for a medical vocational allowance, you must prove your sleep apnea symptoms prevent you from performing essential work functions like:
- Maintaining concentration and focus for extended periods
- Staying awake and alert throughout the day
- Interacting appropriately with coworkers and supervisors
- Meeting reasonable productivity expectations
- Maintaining a regular work schedule without excessive absences
Again, you'll need to provide evidence of how your sleep apnea has impacted your ability to work in the past. This might include performance evaluations, written warnings, or statements from supervisors detailing excessive absences or safety concerns.
Challenge Initial Denials Through the Appeals Process
It's not unusual for initial disability claims to be denied for SSDI sleep disorders, especially for conditions like sleep apnea that require extra medical documentation. If you receive a denial letter, don't give up hope. You have 60 days to file an appeal.
During the appeals process, a disability lawyer can help you:
- Obtain additional medical evidence to strengthen your claim
- Ensure all paperwork is completed correctly and on time
- Prepare for questioning at your hearing
- Cross-examine medical and vocational experts if needed
- Present a strong case arguing your sleep apnea is a severe impairment
At Phillip Hendry Law, we know the disability claims process can feel overwhelming when you're already struggling with sleep apnea disability symptoms. We aim to make it as stress-free as possible while giving you the best chance of approval. Together, we'll build a strong claim and guide you through every stage of the process.