I too had a chemical exposure at work (ozone) and have had asthma and severe chemical sensitivity ever since. I am presently in a workers comp case and may have to leave my aerospace job due to the chemical sensitivity. Can you give any advice on disability options?

Hi Ion Man. Wow, sounds like we have a lot in common. Mine didn't happen at work though.

Well the best advice I can offer is, to speak with one of your doctors who has been treating you for your condition, and ask him to fill out the necessary paperwork.

You can pick up the papers at your local Disability office. The key is, if your disability makes you unable to work at your current job. The form will ask you a series of questions related to that. Be absolutely honest, but also specific.

For instance, you now have serious breathing problems which are aggravated from irritants in your workplace, causing you to be unable to work in those conditions.

Also, seek temporary disability. They are more reasonable about approving this. I had intended for mine to be temporary, but many other health problems have surfaced since my original application, so it was extended.

Essentially, you need to tell them what your actual physical problems are and how they prevent you from working at your current job.

In my case, I now have coughing asthma from my chemical exposure, and also get frequent asthma attacks. I could not sell to the customers, because I could not stop coughing long enough to talk to them. Or, I would go into frequent asthma attacks and be gasping for air while trying to talk with the customers, and having to excuse myself to use my inhalers, several times a day.

Like I said, be absolutely honest, but specific. This is the best advice I can offer. I hope you do get well soon. I've been advised that this condition needs to be treated aggresively, over a long period of time, before I will see any long term improvements.

Hope this will be of help. If you have anymore questions, feel free to post them on this subject, and I will respond.

Take Care now.
Sincerely,
Caring

Thanks for responding, Caring. Hope you get well soon.