Imagine if all Social Security Disability claims were all processed equally. No matter the severity of an applicant’s condition or even how much longer he or she was expected to live, their disability application would be handled just like every other claim. If this were the case, some applicants wouldn’t receive disability benefits until long after they had already passed away. Although this seems unreasonable, this is the way claims were handled prior to 2008.
After much public outcry, the Social Security Administration introduced the Compassionate Allowances program. This initiative allows applicants with certain conditions to receive disability benefits in as little as ten days. When Compassionate Allowances were first introduced, only 50 conditions qualified. Currently, that list has grown to include approximately 200 disabling conditions. Among these disabilities is peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis.
Peritoneal Mucinous Carcinomatosis Condition and Symptoms
Peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis is a very rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the peritoneum, an abdominal cavity in the stomach. This type of cancer develops when cancer cells from other parts of the body metastasize and implant into the lining of the peritoneum. These cells can originate in the appendix, colon, gallbladder, liver, rectum or pancreas. This commonly occurs when abdominal cancers progress to their terminal stage.
Symptoms of peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis can vary from case to case. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal swelling
- Constipation
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Unexplained weight loss
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits with Peritoneal Mucinous Carcinomatosis
To be awarded Social Security Disability benefits, you will need to provide thorough medical evidence of your claim along with your application. This medical evidence is necessary if you wish to be processed under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances guidelines. If you do not provide this evidence, there is a chance that your claim will be delayed or even denied. In the case of peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis, you must provide the SSA with:
- A clinical history and examination that describes the features of the condition
- Imaging results such as x-rays, CT scans or MIR scan reports detailing the peritoneum
- A biopsy report of the peritoneum
- Tumor marker tests of blood indicating the presence of peritoneal cancer
Because peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis is an advanced form of cancer, it is treated aggressively. Treatment is aimed at preventing the cancer from spreading further. Typical treatment involves a combination of chemotherapy and surgery.
Peritoneal Mucinous Carcinomatosis and Your Social Security Disability Case
You are not required to retain the services of a Social Security Disability attorney to apply for disability benefits. Doing so, however, may be in your best interests. While it is not common for the SSA to deny Compassionate Allowances disability claims, it has been known to happen. This is usually due to improperly filled out claim forms or a lack of supporting medical evidence. You can avoid these errors by enlisting the help of an experienced disability attorney. Your attorney will work with you to ensure that your forms are filled out correctly and can help you gather the medical evidence that you need to support your claim.
Click here to find out more about applying for disability benefits due to peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis or to receive a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability case.
