Colon cancer often starts as a polyp or growth in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. In fact, a vast majority of colon cancer cases are classified as adenocarcinomas and form in gland cells. Common symptoms associated with colon cancer are a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Treatments for colon cancer usually involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that certain colon cancer cases are severe enough to count as disabilities. For this reason, the SSA lists it as an approved condition in the Social Security Disability Blue Book. When you apply, you must meet the Blue Book criteria to get Social Security disability benefits for colon cancer.
Can I Get Social Security Disability Benefits for Colon Cancer?
For individuals applying for Social Security disability benefits for colon cancer, the SSA will use the listing under Section 13.18 – Large intestine (from ileocecal valve to and including anal canal) in the Blue Book to determine eligibility. The listing requirements under this section are as follows:
A. Adenocarcinoma that is inoperable, unresectable, or recurrent.
or
B. Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus, recurrent after surgery.
or
C. With metastases beyond the regional lymph nodes.
or
D. Small-cell (oat cell) carcinoma.
If you suffer from colon cancer but can’t meet these specific requirements, don’t panic! You still may qualify for disability benefits with proper medical documentation such as scans, lab work, and your doctor’s support.
Related: Here’s How People With Meniere’s Disease Can Qualify for SSDI
You May Qualify for Legal Assistance
Consulting with an experienced Social Security disability advocate or attorney is fast, easy and free. Disability advocates have experience handling cases like these and know how to maximize your monthly benefits. In fact, people who qualify for legal assistance usually get $12,000 in lump-sum backpay as well as monthly benefits. Those who apply on their own without help usually don’t get benefits, or appeal several times before winning approval. If that happens to you, you’ll likely wait at least two years for your first disability payment. Having a lawyer file your claim also nearly triples your approval odds within 6 months!
Sign up for a free, no-obligation phone call from a local disability attorney today. It’s the fastest and easiest way to get professional claim help over the phone. Since these attorneys always work on continency, you pay $0 for legal assistance if the SSA won’t award you benefits. And if your case wins, then you’ll only pay a small, one-time fee.
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free online benefits evaluation now!
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Megan Kelly is a former blogger and copywriter for LeadingResponse.