The Social Security Administration (SSA) is notoriously slow when it comes to processing disability claims. A typical Social Security disability claim takes between three and eighteen months, with the appeals process often causing claims to take even longer to be approved.
In 2008, the SSA put the compassionate allowances program in place to help streamline the claims process for those who have conditions which are deemed to always meet the criteria for complete disability. With the addition of 35 new conditions in December 2012, one of which was alveolar soft part sarcoma, there are now over 200 conditions which qualify claimants for a compassionate allowance.
Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma - Conditions and Symptoms
Alveolar soft part sarcoma is a very rare form of cancer that typically strikes children, adolescents, and young adults. The disease is caused by a genetic fusion which promotes the growth of a harmful protein in the cancerous cells. Alveolar soft part sarcoma generally progresses slowly, but it isn’t usually discovered until the cancer has already spread extensively, leading to a poor prognosis in most cases.
The first noticeable signs of alveolar soft part sarcoma are generally:
- Painless lumps or swelling
- General soreness or pain caused by compression of the muscles and/or nerves
- Difficulty using feet or legs
- Limping
The tumors caused by alveolar soft part sarcoma usually arise in soft tissue, but may also develop inside the bones. The cancer generally metastasizes (spreads) extensively, with tumors most common in the following areas:
- Head
- Neck
- Arms
- Deep thigh
- Abdomen
- Chest
- Anal region
- Genitals
Alveolar soft part sarcoma may manifest as early as infancy or as late as early adulthood. Those who suffer from it may enjoy a period where the disease appears to be in remission, but relapses are commonplace, even after long periods of remission.
Treatment options for alveolar soft part sarcoma include surgery (complete resection of the primary tumor is the standard treatment), radiation, and chemotherapy. Responses vary to each type of treatment, but alveolar soft part sarcoma is usually terminal.
Applying for Social Security Disability with Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma
Applying for Social Security disability benefits with alveolar soft part sarcoma became a lot easier and faster with the condition’s addition to the list of compassionate allowances. If you or your dependent child has been diagnosed with alveolar soft part sarcoma, you are automatically medically qualified for Social Security disability benefits.
It is still important, however, to make sure that all of your documentation is in order. The documentation you will need to qualify for a compassionate allowance based on alveolar soft part sarcoma includes:
- All medical records pertaining to the diagnosis of ASPS
- Biopsy reports showing results consistent with ASPS diagnosis
- All pertinent medical imaging (X-ray, CT Scan, MRI, etc.) used in diagnosis
Your Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma Disability Case
Because you are dealing with a condition which qualifies for a compassionate allowance, you really don’t need to be overly concerned with your claim being denied. As long as you have the proper medical records, your claim should be granted a compassionate allowance and you should begin receiving any Social Security disability benefits for which you are qualified within a month or two.
Many claimants still find it worthwhile to consult a Social Security disability attorney for ASPS disability claims. An attorney who is familiar with the SSA and its systems can help ensure that all of the paperwork is in order before you send your claim in. This can help avoid any unnecessary delays.
