A mesothelioma diagnosis often comes with a warning that patients will have little time left with their families because of the aggressive nature of the cancer. Sufferers may experience extreme fatigue, violent coughing fits or chest pain.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is classified as a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs in the body. The cancer gets its name from the technical term for this lining, mesothelium. When a person suffers from mesothelioma, medical professionals discover tumors growing in the lining of the stomach, lungs, heart or testicles.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma is a rapidly spreading type of cancer. Sufferers are often told that they only have between eight and 18 months to live when they are diagnosed with this type of cancer. The reason for the aggressive nature of mesothelioma and the grave diagnosis is that most people do not experience any significant symptoms of the cancer until it has progressed.
Treatment of mesothelioma is difficult because it is diagnosed well after the cancer starts to spread for most patients. Chemotherapy, radiation or surgery may be pursued in an attempt to prolong the life of a patient, but it is rare for mesothelioma to go into remission.
Can You Qualify For SSD Due To Mesothelioma?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes mesothelioma as a disabling condition that can qualify a person for benefits. However, it is up to the sufferer to prove that they have this type of cancer when applying for benefits.
Medical history is the single most important factor that goes into determining whether an SSD benefit claim will be approved. The date of diagnosis and copies of records that are obtained directly from the medical professional who made the diagnosis are required by the SSA. People who are suffering from mesothelioma and have proof of diagnosis are immediately eligible to collect benefits.
Mesothelioma makes a person eligible for SSD benefits under the Compassionate Allowance program. This program is designed to provide an expedited approval process for people who are suffering from a condition that is permanent, easily proven by medical documentation and serious in nature. Since mesothelioma is typically not diagnosed until it is too late for treatment options, this serious cancer allows people who are filing for SSD to have their application prioritized.
It is important to let the SSA know that an application is being made that relates to the Compassionate Allowance program. Notifying the SSA allows representatives to be aware that it is important to expedite the approval process. To ensure that everything goes smoothly and benefits are received as quickly as possible, applicants must provide adequate proof of condition by mailing valid copies of medical records. These medical records must be compiled by a licensed medical professional.
Getting Help With Your SSD Claim
Filing for SSD benefits is a long, difficult process that is made even harder when a person is trying to figure out complicated paperwork on their own. Even when a person qualifies for benefits because they have a diagnosis of a disability that is listed by the SSA, failing to properly complete all steps of the SSD benefits claim process can result in a denial of benefits. When a person is suffering from an aggressive cancer like mesothelioma, ensuring that an application is filed properly for expedited approval is essential. The calculation of benefits is based on information supplied in the application, so filling in accurate, current information related to work experience, age and type of disability is a must. Hiring a legal representative to help with your SSD claim is the best way to forgo the stress of dealing with a complicated application. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how an attorney can help you.