Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are awarded to people with disabilities that prevent them from working. The Social Security Administration (SSA), which administers SSDI, uses list of impairments to determine if someone meets their definition of disability. The list is extensive and includes many serious medical conditions. Many forms of cancer, including lymphoma, fit on the SSDI list of impairments.
What is Lymphoma?
Our bodies use the lymphatic system to get rid of infections , toxins, and waste. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the immune system.
There are several types of lymphoma, including:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Cutaneous B-Cell lymphoma
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
Lymphoma is undeniably a serious medical condition. However, it does not always qualify for SSDI benefits.
When is Lymphoma a Disability?
Generally, the SSA requires that applicants meet their definition of disability:
The inability to work or engage in substantial gainful activity because of a physical or mental impairment that could result in death, that has lasted at least a year or is expected to last for a year.
The SSDI list of impairments includes lymphoma in section 13.05. A lymphoma might be considered a disability if it:
- Is persistent or recurs after initial treatment (aggressive lymphoma);
- Requires more than one treatment within 12 consecutive months (indolent lymphoma).
- Fails to go into remission or recurs within 12 months of initial treatments (Hodgkin lymphoma).
- Requires bone marrow or stem cell transplants.
- Is mantle cell lymphoma.
The SSA will require medical proof of a medical condition. This includes proof that the condition prevents the patient from working.
A Disability Attorney Can Help Every Step of the Way.
Applying and qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance is not easy. Not only does the long application form requires many supporting documents, but the instructions and rules can be hard to understand. Even if you find your medical condition on the SSDI list of impairments, you likely will need help with the application process.
That’s what the attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller do. For a free consultation with an experience Social Security attorney, consult with an attorney at The Law Offices of Martin Taller. Call us at 714-385-8100. We assist clients through Southern California from our home office in Anaheim.
