Can I Get Disability Benefits for Cancer?
Nearly 14.5 million Americans have cancer. Being diagnosed with any type can be devastating. While some forms of cancer can be treated relatively easily, others are more invasive and can cause enormous amounts of pain. The symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment can be so intense, that the individual might be unable to work. Without an income, paying for medical care and affording living expenses might feel difficult – if not impossible. For some people, disability payments can take some of the financial burden off their shoulders.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you might be wondering whether or not you can receive disability benefits. As a disability lawyer might tell you, whether this is possible will depend on a number of factors. However, many people will qualify for benefits.
Cancer and Its Symptoms
When there is an abnormal cell growth in the body, and the healthy cells are becoming damaged, you may be diagnosed with cancer. All cancer cases are different. Not only are there over 100 types of cancer, but each type can affect the individual in a unique way. Some cancers result in tumors and others do not. There are cancers that are very difficult to treat and are often fatal, while others can be treated easily.
Cancer typically starts in one part of the body. If it is not caught in time, it will often spread. Once this happens, it becomes difficult to treat. The six major types of cancer include myeloma, sarcoma, carcinomas, lymphoma, leukemia, and cancer of the central nervous system.
To diagnose cancer, a broad range of tests will be performed. These include blood tests and blood counts, spinal taps, biopsies, x-rays, ultrasounds, CAT scans, MRI’s, and surgery. Many doctors will perform multiple tests; some of which will be the same to track any changes. Symptoms of cancer include weakness, swollen lymph nodes, abnormal lumps, changes in urine or stools, fatigue, nausea, and more. Certain patients will have no symptoms until their cancer has significantly progressed.
Getting Disability Payments for Cancer
Being diagnosed with cancer is not enough to qualify for disability benefits. Your condition must be so severe that you cannot work, and it must be expected to last at least one year. Once you file, an examiner will review your application to see if the cancer diagnosis meets the requirements listed in the blue book. This book does include cancer as a valid disability. However, you must prove that your case prevents you from working and meets all of the SSA’s guidelines. If you can prove these elements, getting disability payments for cancer should not be a problem.
If you do not have enough evidence, you might have to file an appeal with the SSA. This can be time consuming, and it will be useful to have a disability lawyer guiding you through the process.
If you need disability payments because you have been diagnosed with cancer, you should not think twice about having a disability lawyer on your side. An Abingdon, VA disability lawyer, like from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, can ensure you’ve completed the application process correctly, and submitted all important documents. For help with your disability case, call a law firm today.