Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems.  The degenerative nature of cystic fibrosis can be the basis for a finding of disability. CF affects about 30,000 people in the United States.

In persons with CF, a defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:

• Clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections.
• Obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down food and absorb vital nutrients.

People with CF can have a variety of symptoms, including:

• Very salty-tasting skin
• Persistent coughing, at times with phlegm
• Frequent lung infections
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Poor growth and slow weight gain, in spite of a good appetite
• Frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements

Cystic Fibrosis is included in Social Security Administration’s list of medical conditions that are used to evaluate disability applications.  Cystic Fibrosis will be evaluated under Listing 3.04.  To meet listing 3.04, you must satisfy the criteria below: [Read more…]