When hard-working Americans pay taxes into the Social Security system, they do so assuming that disability benefits will be there for them if and when they need them. Unfortunately, it is often much harder to obtain Social Security Disability benefits than most applicants anticipate.
The statistics show that nearly 70 percent of the disability claims filed each year are denied by the Social Security Administration during the initial stage of the application process. The applicants who are denied disability benefits during this stage must go on to file an appeal in order to overturn the SSA's decision to deny their benefits. Unfortunately, the Social Security Disability appeal process can take some applicants more than two years to complete.
Unfortunately, there are some disability claimants who cannot possibly wait years, or even just a few months, for Social Security Disability payments to go into effect due to the severity of their conditions. The Social Security Administration has recognized this fact, and in 2008 they implemented the Compassionate Allowances program.
Under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines, some disability applicants are able to obtain an approval of their disability claim in a matter of weeks instead of having to wait months or years for benefits to begin. There are 88 different conditions that qualify an applicant for processing under the Compassionate Allowances listings. Small cell cancers of the large intestine, ovaries, prostate, or uterus are among the conditions that qualify a claim for Compassionate Allowances processing.
If you have been diagnosed with small cell cancer of the large intestine, ovaries, prostate, or uterus, the following information will help you through the disability application process and will provide you with valuable advice on how to increase your chances of obtaining disability benefits under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Back to topSmall Cell Cancer - Conditions and Symptoms
Small cell cancer is a highly malignant form of cancer that is normally associated with the lungs, but it can develop in other areas of the body. In some cases, small cell cancer begins in the large intestine, ovaries, prostate, or uterus.
Unfortunately, these cancers are so rare that they are not usually diagnosed until they have metastasized to other areas of the body. By then, the condition is often so severe that the cancer is life-threatening and does not respond well to treatment.
The majority of patients suffering from small cell cancer of the large intestine, ovaries, prostate, or uterus will need to undergo a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Because the symptoms of the cancer will be so severe at this point and the effects of the necessary treatment will be debilitating, the majority of these patients will not be able to continue full-time work activity.
Back to topFiling for Social Security Disability with Small Cell Cancer of the Large Intestine, Ovary, Prostate, or Uterus
When an individual suffers from small cell cancer of the large intestine, ovaries, prostate, or uterus, it is nearly impossible to work. Because of this, the majority of patients will need to rely on Social Security Disability benefits in order to cover daily living expenses.
When you file a Social Security Disability claim based on a diagnosis of small cell cancer, make sure that you fill out all of the forms required for your disability claim and that you answer all questions honestly and thoroughly. Simple one-word answers will not suffice. The more information you can provide on these forms, the more likely it is that the adjudicator reviewing your file will fully understand the severity of your condition.
Also make sure you supply a complete copy of your medical records when filing your Social Security Disability claim. Lab results, treatment records, and written statements from your doctors will all help to support your disability case.
Back to topYour Small Cell Cancer Social Security Disability Case
Do not assume that your Social Security Disability claim will be automatically approved just because your condition qualifies under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances listings. Although most Compassionate Allowances claims are approved during the initial stage of the application process, some Compassionate Allowances applicants need to pursue the appeal process. While Compassionate Allowances claims are given higher priority during the appeal process, you should still do everything you can to obtain an approval of your benefits during the initial stage of the application process.
To increase your chances of obtaining an initial approval of your disability benefits, you may want to consider the services of a qualified disability advocate or attorney. These professionals can help you gather the medical evidence needed to support your disability claim, and will ensure that your application is submitted in the best possible light to the Social Security Administration.
To learn more about the Social Security Compassionate Allowance listings or to find out whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to a case of small cell cancer of the large intestine, ovaries, prostate, or uterus, request a free Social Security Disability case evaluation today.
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