Each year millions of disabled Americans submit claims to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in hopes of receiving Social Security Disability benefits. Many of them do so assuming that the application process will be straightforward, but unfortunately this is rarely the case. The average Social Security Disability claim will take about a year to complete due to the fact that most applicants must endure the lengthy appeals process in order to get the disability benefits to which they are entitled.
Fortunately, the Social Security Administration has recognized that not all Social Security Disability applicants can wait months or years before being approved for disability benefits. To address this concern, the SSA introduced their Compassionate Allowances initiative in 2008. Through this initiative, there are a total of 88 conditions that qualify for expedited claim processing, allowing applicants suffering from extremely severe disabilities to be approved for disability benefits in a matter of weeks rather than months.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme are among those who qualify for expedited claim processing.
If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme and you are wondering how Social Security Disability claims are processed based on this diagnosis, the following information will help you understand how you can increase your chances of obtaining a quick and hassle-free approval of disability benefits under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Glioblastoma Multiforme (Adult Brain Tumor) - Conditions and Symptoms
Glioblastoma Multiforme is the most common type of primary brain tumor diagnosed in human beings. This type of cancer involves the glial cells and accounts for more than half of all cases of parenchymal brain tumors and approximately 20 percent of all intracranial brain tumors. Even though this type of brain tumor is the most prevalent type of brain tumor diagnosed, however, it only develops in approximately every two to three of every 100,000 people in North America and Europe.
The symptoms of Glioblastoma Multiforme can vary from case to case. Common symptoms of the condition include nausea, vomiting, headaches, seizures, and hemiparesis. Patients may also experience progressive memory loss and personality changes depending on the size of the tumor and the location. Normally Glioblastoma Multiforme tumors are asymptomatic until the tumor reaches a larger size. The median survival rate for patients who are diagnosed with the condition is approximately 14 months on average.
If a physician suspects that a patient has developed Glioblastoma Multiforme, he or she will conduct a variety of tests including CT and MRI scans. The only test that can definitively diagnose the condition, however, is a biopsy of the tumor itself. Treatment for Glioblastoma Multiforme is available, but the effectiveness of treatment varies. Common treatments for the condition include radiosurgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, antiangiogenic therapy, surgery, and corticosteroids. Most cases of Glioblastoma Multiforme respond poorly to treatment and very few patients live for more than three years after being diagnosed with the condition.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Glioblastoma Multiforme (Adult Brain Tumor)
Glioblastoma Multiforme is one of the conditions that qualifies an individual for faster processing of a disability claim under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances listings. When filing a claim for Social Security Disability benefits based on a diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme, you will want to provide as much medical evidence as possible with your Social Security Disability claim. Lab results, medical records, and written statements from treating physicians will all help with the success of your disability claim.
Your Glioblastoma Multiforme (Adult Brain Tumor) Social Security Disability Case
Even though Glioblastoma Multiforme is one of the 88 conditions that qualifies an applicant for expedited claim processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, you must still provide the SSA with sufficient medical evidence to support your disability claim to ensure a quick and hassle-free approval of your disability benefits. While most disability applicants who have been diagnosed with a condition that falls under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines receive a quick approval of their disability benefits, some cases can be denied. This is usually due to an improperly completed disability application or a lack of understanding on the part of the adjudicator reviewing the claim. For this reason, you should consider hiring a disability advocate or attorney when applying for Social Security Disability benefits based on a diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme.
When working with a disability advocate or attorney, the professional you hire will help you gather the evidence that will be necessary to support your application for benefits. This professional can also help you present your application in the best light possible, ensuring that the adjudicator who reviews your file will understand how your condition qualifies for you for processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines. If your claim goes to a hearing, your attorney will be to prepare you for the disability hearing.
You do not have to worry about any upfront costs when hiring a disability attorney. Disability Attorney's work on a contingency basis and are not paid unless your claim is approved.
To learn more about the Social Security Compassionate Allowance listings, or to find out whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to a case of Glioblastoma Multiforme, request a free evaluation of your disability case today.
