The National Institute of Health estimates that almost two million new cancer cases will be diagnosed this year. If you cannot work after being diagnosed with cancer, you may qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.

Undergoing treatment after a diagnosis of cancer can significantly change your life, but whether or not you qualify for Social Security disability benefits depends on several factors. Working with the disability professions at London Eligibility gives you access to experienced disability lawyers and advocates with unsurpassed knowledge of the disability process and which types of cancer qualify for disability.

The following information about how Social Security disability works and which forms of cancer qualify for disability may provide you with a better understanding of the process. The process can be complicated and frustrating, but this information along with the assistance of a disability advocate or lawyer from London Eligibility can help you get through it.

Does treatment for cancer qualify for disability?

The side effects of radiation, chemotherapy and other methods used to treat cancer can be life-altering. Vomiting, fatigue and other side effects may prevent you from working, but treatment alone may not be enough to meet the requirements to qualify for SSD.

Qualifying for SSD through the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs administered by the Social Security Administration requires a physical or mental impairment lasting or expected to last at least 12 months or cause death. The side effects of cancer treatment may be considered short term and not make you eligible for SSD.

Even though the treatment may not let you qualify for benefits, the type of cancer could make you eligible for SSD benefits. If you want to know what types of cancer qualify for disability benefit, a disability advocate at London Eligibility may find the answer in the Listing of Impairments used by the SSA to evaluate claims for disability benefits.

What types of cancer qualify for disability benefit?

The Listing of Impairments, which is commonly known as the Blue Book, is a reference guide used by examiners at Social Security to identify medical conditions severe enough to qualify as a disabling condition under the standards used by SSD. Many types of cancer appear in the Listing of Impairments along with criteria that must be met for each of them in order to qualify for SSD benefits.

Examples of types of cancer appearing in the Listing of Impairments include the following:

• 1). Breast cancer.
• 2). Pancreatic cancer.
• 3). Small cell cancer.
• 4). Brain cancer.

The types of cancer in the listings are evaluated based on the following factors:

• 1). Origin.
• 2). Extent of involvement.
• 3). Frequency, duration and response to treatment.
• 4). Residual effects of treatment.

Generally speaking, cancers that are inoperable, have metastasized to other locations, or are recurring are approved for benefits. Examples of types of cancer that would result in a determination of disability include pancreatic cancer, liver cancer and mesothelioma.

Medical evidence needed to support an application for benefits

To determine whether a specific type of cancer meets the criteria in the listings to qualify for SSD, the application for benefits must be supported by medical evidence, including the following:

• 1). Medical records that specify the type, site and extent of the primary site of the cancer and the site of a metastatic lesion.
• 2). Operative notes and pathology report of surgical procedures, including needle aspiration or biopsy.
• 3). Hospitalization summaries and medical reports that include surgical findings and pathology findings.
• 4). Medical reports and records proving recurrence, progression or persistence of the cancer in response to treatment therapies.

The medical evidence submitted to support your claim for disability benefits should include a record extending at least three months after the commencement of treatment to allow examiners to determine whether the treatment therapy has had its decided effect.

Can you qualify for SSD without meeting the listings criteria?

The fact that you have a type of cancer that does not meet the criteria in the Listings of Impairments does not mean that your claim for benefits will be denied. You may qualify for SSDI or SSI provided there is medical evidence that you are disabled as a result of a physical or mental impairment that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

For example, heart, lung, bone and liver problems may be caused by chemotherapy or radiation that proved effective in treating your type of cancer. If the side-effects of the treatment prevent you from working and are expected to continue for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSD benefits.

Learn more about qualifying for disability after a cancer diagnosis

The disability professionals at London Eligibility have the experience and knowledge of the Social Security disability claims process to provide outstanding representation when a cancer diagnosis prevents you from working. Contact them today to schedule a free consultation with one of their disability advocates or lawyers to learn more about the benefits available to you.