July is sarcoma and bone cancer awareness month. It’s a good time to learn more about these conditions and how people who are diagnosed with them can qualify for financial help like Social Security disability benefits.
What is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society every year nearly 4,000 people are diagnosed with bone cancer. And more than 13,000 people are diagnosed with sarcoma. Sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the soft tissue in the body. It also can spread quite quickly to other soft tissues. Sarcomas can be tough to spot so they may become quite large or spread quite far throughout the body before they are detected.
The most common locations for sarcoma are:
- Knees
- Shoulders
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Hands and arms
- Head and neck
Sarcomas can also form in the soft tissue inside of bones.
Can Sarcoma or Bone Cancer Qualify For Disability?
Anyone who has been diagnosed with bone cancer or sarcoma and can’t work because of the symptoms they’re experiencing or because the cancer is inoperable may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Usually in order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits a person must be diagnosed with one of the conditions listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. They also must meet the requirements in the Blue Book in order to have their application approved.
Not all types of cancer will qualify for disability benefits. But the Blue Book does have a listing for bone cancer. When someone with bone cancer applies for disability benefits they will have to submit medical evidence showing that their cancer meets one of these conditions:
- The cancer is inoperable.
- The cancer has spread beyond the point of origin.
- The cancer has returned despite previous treatment.
Submitting medical records like a diagnosis, MRI scans, bone scans, biopsies, and blood tests will help prove that the person’s condition meets the Blue Book requirements. You can also submit an RFC form. The RFC form is something your doctor must fill out. In the RFC your doctor can describe in detail what your symptoms are and how your condition prevents you from working.
People who have sarcoma or inoperable bone cancer may qualify for disability benefits because their condition is on the Compassionate Allowance list. Any person diagnosed with a condition that is on the Compassionate Allowance list will have their application fast tracked for approval so that they can start receiving benefits quickly.
Talk With a Disability Benefits Lawyer
If you have been diagnosed with bone cancer or sarcoma, talking with a disability lawyer may help you get approved for benefits faster. A disability lawyer can help you figure out what medical evidence you need to submit with your claim. They can also help you figure out if your condition qualifies as a Compassionate Allowance or not. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation today to get connected with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website!
