Each and every year, millions of hard-working Americans are faced with long-term or permanent disabilities that force them to stop working. Left with no way to earn an income, these individuals often wonder how they will manage to pay their bills and make ends meet. While Social Security Disability benefits may be able to help in some cases, obtaining disability benefits from the Social Security Administration is a process that can take months, if not years, for some disability applicants to complete.
For people faced with severe or extenuating disabilities, the lengthy Social Security Disability claim process that is required for most disability applicants is not acceptable. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration has recognized this fact, and in 2008 they implemented the Compassionate Allowances initiative.
According to the Compassionate Allowances guidelines that have been set forth by the SSA, there are 88 disabling conditions that qualify a Social Security Disability applicant for special consideration when filing a disability claim. Social Security Disability applicants who have been diagnosed with one of these 88 conditions may be able to obtain disability benefits in a matter of weeks rather than having to wait months or years before their disability benefits begin.
Mucosal Malignant Melanoma is one of the 88 conditions that qualifies a Social Security Disability applicant for expedited claim processing under the Social Security Compassionate Allowances listings. If you have been diagnosed with Mucosal Malignant Melanoma, the following information will shed light on how the Social Security Administration reviews claims based on this diagnosis and how you can increase your chances of a quick disability approval under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Mucosal Malignant Melanoma Condition and Symptoms
Mucosal Malignant Melanoma is a type of cancer that usually develops in the head or neck. The condition is very rare and accounts for fewer than one percent of all melanomas. This type of cancer, however, is also much more aggressive than other types of melanomas. The five-year survival rate of patients who are diagnosed with Mucosal Malignant Melanoma is only about 10 to 15 percent.
The majority of Mucosal Malignant Melanoma cases develop in the upper respiratory area, the mouth, and the pharynx. In some cases, however, this type of cancer may also develop in the urinary tract or rectal area, or the genital area of females.
The symptoms of Mucosal Malignant Melanoma will vary from patient to patient. Common symptoms include oral tumors, nasal obstruction, discharge, pain in the face, and swelling. Unfortunately, this particular condition is often hard to diagnose because symptoms can be caused by a variety of other less severe conditions. Because of this, many patients are not actually diagnosed with Mucosal Malignant Melanoma until the cancer has already metastasized.
Treatment of Mucosal Malignant Melanoma is complicated and the specific course of treatment will depend on how far the cancer has progressed. In some cases, surgery is combined with radiation therapy to treat the condition. Chemotherapy is also given to many Mucosal Malignant Melanoma patients. Unfortunately, treatment is not always effective. In some cases, the treatment is focused on making the patient as comfortable as possible.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Mucosal Malignant Melanoma
If you have been diagnosed with Mucosal Malignant Melanoma, you should apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as possible. You can file for benefits online, at your local Social Security office or by calling the SSA's toll free number.
It is important to remember that even though Mucosal Malignant Melanoma is one of the 88 conditions that qualifies for processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, that does not mean that your application for disability benefits will be automatically approved by the Social Security Administration. You must fill out the application properly and you must provide the SSA with sufficient medical evidence to support your disability claim.
When filling out the disability application forms, make sure that you answer all questions with thorough and complete answers. One-word answers or “yes” or “no” answers will not suffice. Be as detailed as possible in your explanations when answering the application questions. Also make sure that you provide the Social Security Administration with as much supporting medical evidence as possible. Get copies of all of your medical records, including lab results and treatment histories. You should also obtain written statements from your treating physicians as they can help support your claim for disability benefits.
Mucosal Malignant Melanoma and Your Social Security Disability Case
Many of the applicants who file a disability claim based on one of the 88 conditions that qualify under the Compassionate Allowances listings assume that their applications will be automatically approved by the Social Security Administration. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. While it is not common, the SSA has been known to deny claims based on a Compassionate Allowances listing. While Compassionate Allowances cases do receive priority attention during the disability appeal process, you should still do everything you can to increase your chances of obtaining an approval at the initial application stage.
If you would like to increase your chances of obtaining an approval in the initial stage of the application process, you should consider hiring a qualified Social Security Disability attorney attorney or advocate. These professionals can help to prepare your Social Security Disability application and make sure that your claim is submitted properly to the Social Security Administration, ensuring that the adjudicator who reviews your file understand how your condition qualifies for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
