Bilateral pulmonary embolism - can I qualify for Social Security Disability at age 62?

I went through something similar last year but with heart failure. GET A LAWYER!!! The SSA denies like 70% of disability claims the first time. I tried doing it myself and got denied even though I literally couldn't walk across a room without getting winded. My attorney helped me reapply and I got approved in 4 months.

Whether pulmonary embolism qualifies for SSDI depends on severity, ongoing complications, and how it affects your ability to work. The SSA evaluates respiratory disorders under Listing 3.00, but they look at functional capacity more than diagnosis. At 62, you have a few options to consider: 1. SSDI application - requires proving you cannot perform substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months 2. Early retirement benefits - reduced amount but immediate and guaranteed 3. Apply for both simultaneously - if SSDI is approved, you'd get the higher benefit amount An attorney is beneficial because pulmonary conditions can be complex to document properly. They typically take 25% of backpay (capped at $7,500) with no upfront cost. Given your age and the situation, it's worth consulting with a disability attorney who specializes in respiratory cases.

You wouldn't receive both payments simultaneously. If you're approved for SSDI after taking early retirement, SSA will pay the difference between the early retirement amount and what your full SSDI benefit would be. The advantage is that you get some income while waiting for the SSDI decision, which can take 3-24 months depending on appeals.

my cousin had blood clots in her lungs and got denied twice for disability. finally got approved but took almost 2 years!!!! the whole system is rigged against us. she lost her house waiting for approval. have u checked if ur state has any temporary disability programs?

she tried on her own twice then got a lawyer for the hearing level. lawyer made all the difference but by then she was already in financial ruins. texas is tough cause they dont have much safety net stuff.

You mentioned you're 62 - that's actually somewhat helpful in SSDI cases because SSA uses a medical-vocational grid that considers age as a factor. People over 60 have an easier time qualifying than younger applicants with the same condition. Make sure you emphasize ANY additional health issues when applying, not just the PE. The combined effect of multiple conditions matters a lot.

Absolutely mention those! SSA is supposed to consider the combined effect of ALL impairments, even ones that wouldn't be disabling on their own. High blood pressure is relevant to your PE condition, and knee arthritis affects your ability to stand/walk. Every limitation matters in building your case.

I'm going through the SSDI process right now and it's MISERABLE trying to get anyone on the phone at SSA. I spent 4 hours on hold last week before getting disconnected. Then tried again and waited 3 hours only to get someone who couldn't access my file and had to transfer me - then got disconnected again! I finally tried using Claimyr.com after someone here recommended it - got through to an actual SSA agent in 20 minutes. You can see how it works in their demo video here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - honestly after weeks of failed calls it was such a relief to finally speak to someone who could answer my questions about my application.

Yes, I finally got all my questions answered. The key is that Claimyr connects you with the actual SSA, so once you're through you're talking to a real SSA employee who can access your information and answer specific questions. The automated phone system is IMPOSSIBLE to navigate - this just bypasses all that frustration.

You should ABSOLUTELY file for SSDI right away!!! The longer you wait the more money you lose!!! And YES get a lawyer. Most SSDI lawyers work on contingency so you pay NOTHING upfront. They only get paid if you win and it's capped at 25% or $7,500 whatever is less. I waited 2 months to file and lost thousands in backpay!!! DON'T file for early retirement if you can avoid it - once you take the reduced benefit you're STUCK WITH IT FOR LIFE even if you get approved for disability later!

I've been an SSDI advocate for over 10 years, and I'd suggest a two-track approach in your situation: 1. File for SSDI immediately. The 5-month waiting period means the sooner you apply, the sooner benefits could start. 2. Consider applying for retirement as a backup, but understand that if you're later approved for disability, you can receive the higher amount. You won't be permanently reduced. For pulmonary embolism cases, success depends on documenting ongoing functional limitations. Request copies of all medical records, especially pulmonary function tests, oxygen saturation measurements, and any exercise tolerance evaluations. The medical-vocational guidelines (the "grid rules") definitely favor applicants over 60. Consult with an attorney before your initial application if possible - they can help structure your case properly from the beginning. Most offer free consultations.

Yes, retirement benefits can start almost immediately after approval (usually within 30-60 days of application), while SSDI has both the processing time (3-6 months minimum for initial decision) plus the 5-month waiting period from your established onset date. One important consideration: if you receive retirement benefits first and are later approved for SSDI, you'll get retroactive SSDI payments (minus the 5-month waiting period), but they'll deduct the retirement benefits you already received. You won't double-dip, but you'll get the higher of the two benefit amounts going forward.

Just wondering, have they given you blood thinners for life now? My uncle had PE last year and he's on permanent blood thinners. Does that affect your ability to work certain jobs? That might help your case since some jobs have higher injury risks when you're on anticoagulants.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - losing your job right after a medical emergency is devastating. As someone who works in disability advocacy, I want to emphasize that bilateral pulmonary embolism can absolutely qualify for SSDI, especially with your age working in your favor. The key is documenting not just the initial event but the ongoing limitations - shortness of breath, fatigue, exercise intolerance, and the bleeding risks from anticoagulants. Since you mentioned being on blood thinners, make sure your doctors document any work restrictions this creates. Many jobs become unsuitable when you're at increased bleeding risk. Also, PE often causes long-term pulmonary hypertension or chronic fatigue that may not show up immediately - keep detailed records of your symptoms and limitations. Given your tight financial situation, I'd suggest filing for both SSDI and early retirement simultaneously. The retirement benefits can provide immediate income while you wait for the SSDI decision. Don't let anyone tell you this hurts your SSDI case - it doesn't. You can always receive the higher benefit amount if disability is approved. Most importantly, get an attorney consultation ASAP. Many specialize in respiratory cases and offer free initial consultations. The 25% contingency fee is worth it for the expertise in presenting your case properly from day one.