What you have to prove
Respiratory failure documented by need for invasive mechanical ventilation or noninvasive ventilation with BiPAP for a continuous period of at least 48 hours, OR for at least 72 hours if postoperatively, occurring at least twice within a 12-month period, with at least 30 days between episodes.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Hospital records documenting each episode, ventilator settings, arterial blood gases, and records from the attending pulmonologist.
Common misconceptions
Elective post-op ventilation doesn't count toward the listing. Frequency and duration thresholds must both be documented precisely.
Didn't meet the listing? You can still qualify via a Medical-Vocational
Allowance — SSA's determination that your residual functional capacity, combined with
your age, education, and work history, leaves no jobs you can do. See our
appeals guide for what to do after an initial denial.