Cancer Diagnosis
According to the National Cancer Institute, 39.6 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime.
Social Security Disability and Cancer
A cancer diagnosis is traumatic, but it does not guarantee a person will be approved for disability benefits. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits a person must provide medical documentation demonstrating an inability to work for a minimum of one year.
Some cancer patients are able to maintain their employment while receiving treatment. While many others require a leave from work to manage their cancer. During this time the patient’s cancer may not metastasize (spread), they may respond positively to treatment, or their tumor(s) may be successfully, surgically removed. In the above mentioned cases, Social Security may determine the person is able to maintain employment or is able to return to the work force, and will deny the request for benefits.
Therefore, proving a person has cancer is typically the least difficult part of the application process, and can be accomplished by submitting documentation such as blood tests, imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, and CT scans), and statements from a doctor. The challenge, instead, is demonstrating the impact cancer and the treatment of cancer has on a person’s daily life and therefore, their ability to work.
Blue Book Listing for Cancer
To help people understand the requirements needed to qualify for benefits, Social Security created a manual called the Blue Book, which lists hundreds of disabilities and outlines the qualifications necessary for approval. When evaluating an application due to a cancer diagnosis, Social Security considers the origin of the cancer, extent of involvement, as well as duration, frequency and response to anticancer therapy, and effects of any post-traumatic residuals.
Social Security has established specific requirements for different types of cancer, which are distinctly listed in the Blue Book. The outlined criteria vary by location and type of cancer, but typically seeks to identify the patient’s anticancer therapy; if the cancer is inoperable, persistent, progressive, recurrent, or unresectable; as well as, if the cancer has metastasized, and if the patient requires multi-modal therapy.
In the case of a life threatening or terminal diagnosis, Social Security has a responsibility to accelerate the application process. For this reason, Social Security created the Compassionate Allowance List (CAL). The list is a collection of serious medical conditions that have been authorized for expedited approval of benefits.
Knowing if you are a candidate for benefits, comprehending the process, and determining what medical documentation to provide for your application can be daunting.
You’ve got enough to worry about, let Viner Disability Law help you navigate the disability process. From the initial application process to the hearing to federal court, we do it all.
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