Cancer and Your SSD Benefits: Find Out How Cancer Survivors Can Get Social Security Disability Benefits and Where to Get Legal Help with Your SSD Case

One of the toughest battles that a person can fight in their lives is the battle against cancer. If you are a cancer survivor and your condition or treatment has made it impossible to work, it is important for you to know that you may be entitled to Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes many forms of cancer as qualifying conditions under its official disability listings. According to the SSA’s Blue Book, Section 13.00 on Malignant Neoplastic Diseases, the agency evaluates cancers based on their type, stage, response to treatment, and long-term effects. This program exists to support individuals whose serious health conditions prevent them from maintaining gainful employment. Here we explain the ins-and-outs of the SSA’s listings applicable to cancer, and how to get legal help with your SSD claim.

SSD Benefits and Your Cancer Diagnosis: The Basics

When you apply for SSD benefits based on cancer, the SSA will look at several factors including the origin of the cancer, the extent of spread or metastasis, how long the disease has lasted, how it responds to treatment, and the residual effects of both the cancer and the treatment. As such, even if your specific cancer type is not listed exactly, you may still qualify for SSD benefits if you cannot engage in “substantial gainful activity” due to your condition and treatment.

To apply for SSD benefits, and be approved, you will need detailed medical evidence about your cancer condition in your case. This medical evidence includes pathology reports, imaging reports, operative notes, records of chemotherapy or radiation treatment, notes on your response to treatment, and documentation of any ongoing symptoms or side-effects such as fatigue, organ dysfunction, or cognitive limitations. If your cancer does not match a specific listing, the SSA may still evaluate your case based on your remaining functional capacity (residual functional capacity) and whether you still can perform any jobs. In sum, the SSD application process for cancer, even based on the SSA’s listings, is challenging, and working with a lawyer can significantly increase your chances of getting important benefits due to you.

Getting Legal Help with Your SSD Case: Social Security Disability Lawyer

There is no question that no matter what your disability may be, applying for SSD benefits can be overwhelming. The process can be even more challenging when you are battling a serious disease, such as cancer. The SSD process involves multiple forms, deadlines, and medical evaluations. Many applicants are denied at first, often because of incomplete information or misunderstanding how the SSA defines disability. This is where having an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can make a major difference.

If you are a cancer survivor who cannot work, you do not have to face the SSD system alone. With an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer by your side, you can focus on your health while they focus on getting you the benefits you deserve. If you need legal help getting SSD benefits due to you, contact the experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law. Contact Nationwide Disability Law today and speak with a lawyer now.

Source:

ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/13.00-NeoplasticDiseases-Malignant-Adult.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com