Disabling Condition: Malignant Neoplastic Disorders

by Editorial Board on September 6, 2010 · 0 comments

in Malignant Cancer

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All cancers except those caused by HIV.

Cancer

  1. When were you diagnosed?
  2. How was it treated, i.e. surgical removal, chemotherapy, radiation?
  3. Have you had a recurrence?  If so, is it localized or has it spread?
  4. Did you have significant side effects to treatment and if so, will your doctor confirm this?
  5. Do you have any diagnosed residual problems attributable to treatment such as bone density loss?

Cancer is characterized by abnormal and out of control cell growth and is thought to be related to damaged DNA which can be inherited or acquired due to exposure to toxins in the environment.  Social Security will not consider most cancers disabling unless they are inoperable, unresectable, persistent despite treatment (chemotherapy/radiation) or recurrent after treatment (metastases).  However, the agency does recognize that chemotherapy (which is toxic itself) can be debilitating and radiation can cause damage, which may be permanent.  Unfortunately, most oncologists don’t document side-effects to treatment or lasting damage.  To show Social Security that your treatment is disabling, talk to your doctor about documenting your symptoms and complications in the medical record.

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