SSA Blue Book · Section 3.00

All Blue Book listings / Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory Listings: COPD, Asthma, and Other Lung Disorders

Section 3.00 evaluates chronic respiratory disorders. Many criteria rely on pulmonary-function testing, oxygenation, or documented complications, interpreted in the context of the full medical record.

Conditions covered

The respiratory listings include COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, pulmonary hypertension, and respiratory failure. A diagnosis alone does not establish that the listing criteria are met.

Key listings in Section 3.00

  • 3.02 — Chronic respiratory disorders

    Covers disorders such as COPD and other chronic lung disease using specified pulmonary-function or gas-exchange evidence.

  • 3.03 — Asthma

    Evaluates asthma using the criteria in the listing, including documented attacks and treatment history.

  • 3.04 — Cystic fibrosis

    Addresses cystic fibrosis and its respiratory and other complications.

  • 3.09 and 3.14 — Pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure

    Cover specified chronic pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure findings.

These are plain-language summaries, not the full regulatory criteria. Review the official Blue Book for the complete requirements and definitions.

Evidence SSA may consider

  • Pulmonary-function test reports, including spirometry and other tests specified by the listing, can be important. The record should identify the test conditions and results.
  • Oxygen measurements, imaging, treatment records, hospital visits, exacerbations, and response to prescribed treatment help show severity over time.
  • A treating clinician’s notes about exertional symptoms, recovery time, oxygen use, and day-to-day functioning can help explain how test results relate to sustained activity.

If the listing is not met

If the respiratory criteria are not met or medically equaled, SSA considers limitations such as reduced exertional capacity, environmental restrictions, oxygen needs, or time away from work.

Those supported limits become part of the RFC analysis at Steps 4 and 5. The Grid Rules can be relevant to exertional capacity, but the effect of environmental or other nonexertional restrictions may require additional vocational analysis.

Related resources

Read the official SSA Blue Book for Section 3.00

This page provides general information, not medical or legal advice. It is not a determination of whether any person qualifies for benefits.