i haven't worked since 2004 because of copd ,i use to smoke ,but my trade was welding since i did from leaving school for over 20 years

[pauls]

can i claim any thing

[initial]

Welcome to the community, pauls. If you click on the big red balloon at the top, you'll get the BLF Helpline phone number, and they'll be able to give you an idea of what benefits you may be eligible to claim. Take care x

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome pauls nice to meet you. I agree with initial - ring the helpline. Whether or not you can claim depends on your circumstances and they will be able to advise you. Good luck. x

[stilltruckin]

This is from 2009, but couldn't find anything more recent:

hse.gov.uk/aboutus/meetings...

Quote:

9 . . . In the case of chronic bronchitis and emphysema the criteria for prescription under the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Scheme (IIDB) is that there needs to be evidence of a greater than doubled risk of disabling loss of lung function in exposed compared with unexposed workers.

10. The IIAC reported that despite extensive investigation, they did not find any evidence that welders have a greater than 2-fold increased risk of developing disabling loss of lung function. This meant that welding did not meet the criteria for prescription. This does not necessarily mean that there is no evidence that welding can be associated with COPD, but simply that the IIAC criteria are not met. . . .

[peege]

Do give the helpline a ring. They have someone who can advise on benefits....

03000 030555 office hours. Good luck, P