Cancer is an incredibly difficult diagnosis for anyone to receive. Not only will the fight ahead come with so many physical difficulties, but the emotional toll it will have on your life can be just as challenging.
Due to the harsh side effects of anticancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, working or even caring for yourself becomes nearly impossible to do. This is when applying for disability benefits can seriously help with the financial, emotional, and physical burdens of cancer.
What Is Cancer?
According to the National Cancer Institute, Cancer is the uncontrollable growth and division of cells in one or more areas of the body. Because everything from the bloodstream to our organs are made up of cells, any part of the body can be affected by cancer.
What causes the development of these abnormal cells is not always known. Sometimes the cause can be narrowed down to genetics and environmental factors, however this is not the case for all diagnoses.
As we mentioned at the beginning of this page, there are three common types of treatment used to eliminate cancer cells and stop their uncontrollable growth in the body. One type of treatment known as radiotherapy uses high doses of radiation to stop the growth of cancerous cells, particularly those that have formed tumors. Another common therapy called chemotherapy works in a similar manner, but uses medication instead of radiation to stop the growth of the cancer cells.
Immunotherapy is a treatment that focuses on communicating with your body’s immune system. This particular treatment attempts to either activate or suppress your current immune response, in order to fight off the cancer cells.
All of these treatments have varying levels of success that depend on the stage of your cancer diagnosis. Aside from the effectiveness of these therapies, the timing, side effects and costs can make trying to work almost impossible.
Can You Get Disability If You Have Cancer?
In short, the answer is yes, you can qualify for disability benefits if you are diagnosed with cancer. Like other medical conditions that fall under the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book guidelines, you’ll need to gather several pieces of evidence to establish a strong foundation for your cancer disability claim.
These categories of evidence include the original diagnosis from a physician, pathology report(s), the progression of the cancer, the response to any anticancer treatments, and significant residuals. Typically, most cancer claims are more easily approved if the effects of anticancer treatment do not work or if the cancer progresses or reoccurs. This will not be the roadblock that keeps your claim from getting approved if there is substantial evidence in your medical record for how disabling your cancer has been and continues to be.
For a cancer diagnosis that does not meet one of the Blue Book’s cancer listing requirements, we do not want you to give up hope. Not meeting the SSA’s guidelines for cancer does not mean you won’t be able to file a claim. In fact, there is a strong chance that you’ll be able to file a claim under another body system impairment due to the side effects of the cancer as well as any of the intense treatments used for intervention.
Discover Social Security Disability Lawyers In Hampton, VA
A cancer diagnosis is physically, emotionally and financially overwhelming already. No one should have to endure the stress of filing a social security disability claim alone, in addition to the challenges you already face from the diagnosis.
This is why O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group is always ready to help claimants in Hampton, Virginia Beach and communities across the Hampton roads, get their claim approved. Let our law firm handle the evidence gathering, communication and hardwork fighting for your claim in court while you rest and receive treatment. We’ll continue to fight for your case so that you can finally get the disability benefits you deserve.
To schedule a free consultation for your claim, please visit our website or call us at 888-347-2529.
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