Obliterative Bronchiolitis is a very rare and non-reversible form of obstructive lung disease. When someone suffers from this condition a small airway in the lungs becomes compressed and narrowed by scar tissue or inflammation. In these types of cases, the disease is extremely serious and can be fatal. Common symptoms of the condition include obstruction of the airway, scarring in the airway of the lungs, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue and dry cough. Some possible causes that lead to the development of Obliterative Bronchiolitis can be related to collagen vascular disease, rejection of a transplant organ, viral infections, drug reactions, aspirations, toxic fume exposure or rheumatoid arthritis. However, today it is unclear what exactly causes the condition itself. One of the causes of this rare lung disease is exposure to toxic fumes. According to the Veterans Administration, open-air burn pits were used to destroy waste products that included “chemicals, paint, medical and human waste, metal/aluminum cans, munitions and other unexploded ordnance, petroleum and lubricant products, plastics and Styrofoam, rubber, wood, and discarded food.” Yet, a report from the Institute of Medicine has not fully convinced the VA that there are long-term health concerns caused from toxic exposure to burn pits.
This condition is rare, irreversible and can be life threatening. Since August 2011 the Social Security Administration recognized this condition for compassionate allowance which helps many veterans and other people inflicted with the disease receive Social Security disability benefits more quickly. “This is a huge breakthrough for us,” Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Neil Rogers said in an Army News Times article. The former helicopter pilot has the disease and can’t work because of his symptoms. “It practically guarantees us benefits.” Early detection of this condition is very important. The condition is irreversible and can become actively progressive. Early diagnosis allows medical intervention to prevent additional medical problems down the line. In the event of the most serious case, lung transplant surgery can be the only means for effective treatment. Other types of treatment for less serious cases include types of breathing support and many medications to help open the airway. When filing for Social Security be sure to provide all test results, medical records, and professional medical statements to ensure accurate approval of benefits. The more detailed information you are able to provide the more likely Social Security will not make you go through a secondary review or appeal.
