Cancer can be an extremely destructive disease, causing pervasive harm and robbing victims of the ability to enjoy life. As cancer cells multiply and destroy healthy cells, the breakdown of organs, bone, muscle, and other tissue leads to a life of limitations. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes the debilitating effects of cancer and allows many patients who are diagnosed with this disease to collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) benefits, assuming they are able to provide medical evidence of these effects.
Disabling Effects of Cancer
The disease of cancer is recognized under the category of neoplastic diseases. Types of cancer include colon, breast, throat, ovarian, prostate, lung, skin, pancreas, thyroid, and virtually any other body area. Depending on the location and characteristics of the disease, an individual may experience many different health problems. The formation of tumors can restrict blood flow, proper breathing, organ function, and other bodily processes needed to sustain life.
Depending on the area or areas of the body affected by cancer, a patient may experience any of the following disabling effects:
- Fatigue/weakness
- Jaundice
- Pain/discomfort
- Nerve damage
- Weight loss
- Bloating and digestive trouble
- Bowel/bladder dysfunction
- Blood clots/circulation problems
- Fever
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Blood clots
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sexual dysfunction
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can also add to the cancer patient’s limitations, causing a wide range of additional symptoms like insomnia and immune system compromise that inhibit quality of life.
Hiring an Attorney to Prove Cancer Disability
To assess the disease’s effects and establish a prognosis, oncologists will evaluate the type of cancer, tumor sites, and other factors. The rate of cancer cell reproduction (metastases) is a factor in determining how the cancer will affect the patient in the near future, as well.
In order for the SSA to grant benefits to a cancer patient, the individual’s SSD application and supplemental materials must clearly demonstrate how this disease limits the his or her ability to earn a living. When you hire a skilled lawyer to help you apply for SSD, you can rest assured knowing that your legal team will make sure all of your bases are covered and the proper paperwork is submitted to prove you are disabled.
Learn more about the application process for Social Security Disability Insurance and how the SSA views cancer diagnosis. To search for a skilled lawyer in your area, please visit our SSD lawyer directory.
Please explore our website and if you have questions or need further assistance, please e-mail the SSD Law Resource Center by completing the form to the right. We are here to help.