This year alone, millions of individuals will apply for Social Security Disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. In most cases, an initial application for disability benefits will be processed by the SSA in three to four months. Unfortunately, the majority of these applications will be denied by the Social Security Administration. The fact of the matter is, some of the individuals who apply for disability benefits cannot wait three to four months for an approval due to the severity of their disabling condition. Patients suffering from adrenal cancer are among the individuals who need faster approval times. If you are applying for disability benefits due to a diagnosis of adrenal cancer, there is hope. You may not have to wait three to four months to have your application for disability benefits approved by the Social Security Administration. In fact, you may only need to wait a matter of weeks before your claim is approved.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with adrenal cancer and are in need of Social Security Disability benefits, the following information can help you understand how your condition qualifies you for benefits from the SSA and how you may qualify for faster approval times under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances program.
Adrenal Cancer - Conditions and Symptoms
Adrenal cancer is a very rare condition. Worldwide, only about one in one-million individuals develop adrenal cancer. The condition is most prevalent in men in their forties and fifties, although children under the age of five have been diagnosed.
This particular form of cancer originates in the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. The adrenal glands are made up of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. The cortex of the adrenal glands creates cortisol, aldosterone and mineralocorticoid for the body. The medulla creates epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine.
When an individual develops tumors on the adrenal glands, an increase in hormone production often occurs. In some cases, however, the tumors do not cause an increase in hormone production. The specific symptoms of the condition will vary depending on whether an individual is experiencing an increased hormone production and, if so, which hormones are being over-produced. In some cases, patients may experience elevated blood pressure, decreased levels of potassium in the blood, weakness, muscle cramps, increased thirst, increase urination, weight gain, water retention, excessive hair growth, red streaks on the skin, increased risk of infection, mood swings, irritability and even psychotic episodes. While it may be harder to notice symptoms in cases where hormone production is not an issue, abdominal fullness or localized pain may be experienced.
When diagnosing a case of adrenal cancer, a doctor will perform a variety of tests. A physical exam will be conducted and blood tests will be run. These tests will check for increased hormone levels and other blood changes. X-rays, ultrasounds and other imaging tests may also be conducted.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Adrenal Cancer
A diagnosis of adrenal cancer is not enough in and of itself to qualify you for the Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowances program. In order to qualify for expedited claim processing under this program, your case of adrenal cancer must involve adrenal cancer with distant metastases or an inoperable case of the condition.
Adrenal cancer is a serious condition and the effects of the condition and the necessary treatments are often debilitating. Because cases of adrenal cancer with distant metastases or inoperable tumors can be so severe, these conditions fall under the Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowances program.
Many Social Security Disability applicants will wait months or even years to be approved for Social Security Disability benefits. Those who have a case of adrenal cancer that falls under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, however, only have to wait weeks for an approval for disability benefits.
Once you have a diagnosis of adrenal cancer, you should immediately file a claim for Social Security Disability benefits. If you have medical evidence supporting your claim, the SSA should process your disability claim under the Social Security Disability Compassionate Allowances program.
Your Adrenal Cancer Social Security Disability Case
If you have been diagnosed with an inoperable case of adrenal cancer or adrenal cancer with distant metastases, you will most likely qualify for disability benefits under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances program. You should still consider retaining the assistance of a qualified Social Security attorney or advocate, however, to ensure that your case is presented in the best light possible to the Social Security Administration and that the adjudicator reviewing your case understands the severity of your impairment.
To discover whether or not you qualify for disability benefits or to learn more about the Social Security Compassionate Allowances program and listings, click here for a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability case.
