In 2011, the Social Security Administration is expected to receive more than three million applications for Social Security Disability benefits. If history is any indication of future approval rates, fewer than 30 percent of these claims will be approved during the initial stage of the application process. The remaining 70 percent of Social Security Disability applicants will have to undergo an extensive and exhausting disability appeal process in order to obtain the benefits they may be entitled to.
In the current state of Social Security, even filing an initial claim for disability takes three to four months to process. Should an individual decide to appeal a claim that is denied at this stage, it takes an applicant another three to four months to complete the initial reconsideration. Fewer than 80 percent of these appeals are granted by the Social Security Administration, which means that the majority of applicants must pursue the second stage of the disability appeal process, which is a disability hearing before an administrative law judge. It takes most applicants at least another year before this hearing is scheduled.
What happens when an illness or disability is so severe that a Social Security Disability applicant cannot possibly wait two years or more for disability benefits to begin? If their condition falls under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, the wait times are much shorter.
There are 88 conditions that qualify an applicant for claim processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances listings. Individuals who have been diagnosed with one of these 88 conditions may qualify for disability benefits in a matter of weeks instead of waiting months or years for benefits to begin. Cases of small intestine cancer that are inoperable, unresectable, recurrent, or have distant metastases are one of the conditions that qualify a claim for processing under these guidelines.
If you have been diagnosed with this condition, the following information will help you understand the disability application process and how you can increase your chances of being approved for disability benefits under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Small Intestine Cancer - Condition and Symptoms
Small intestine cancer is a rare but aggressive form of cancer. It is estimated that approximately 7,000 men and women will die from this condition this year alone. The condition occurs when malignant cancer cells form in the tissues of the small intestine. There are five types of small intestine cancer including adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and lymphoma. The adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, sarcoma, and carcinoids types of small intestine cancer are the most common.
In most cases, symptoms of small intestine cancer do not present themselves until the cancer has spread and metastasized to other areas of the body. Some common symptoms of the condition include nausea, bloating, appetite loss, fatigue, weight loss, anemia, blood in the stool or vomit, and jaundice.
For cases of small intestine cancer that have metastasized, or cases that are inoperable, unresectable or recurrent, chemotherapy may be provided along with radiation therapy. In some cases, treatment may only focus on making the patient as comfortable as possible until the disease has run its course.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Small Intestine Cancer
Receiving a diagnosis of small intestine cancer that is inoperable, unresectable, recurrent, or that has metastasized can be an emotionally traumatic experience. The condition and necessary treatments will make it impossible for an individual to work. Because of this, you should file for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as possible once you have been diagnosed with the condition.
Even though this condition qualifies your Social Security Disability claim for processing under the Compassionate Allowances listings, you will still need to properly fill out the claim forms that are required by the Social Security Administration. In addition, you should provide as much medical evidence as possible to support your disability claim.
When filling out the Social Security Disability claim forms, be detailed in the answers you provide to the application questions and clearly explain how your condition places limitations on your day-to-day living activities. Also include a complete copy of your medical records including lab results and written statements from your treating physicians. This supporting evidence will be needed to ensure a quick approval of your disability benefits.
Your Small Intestine Cancer Social Security Disability Case
You may assume that your application for Social Security Disability benefits will be automatically approved by the Social Security Administration due to the nature of your condition and the fact that it falls under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case.
If you want to increase your chances of obtaining a quick and hassle-free approval of your disability claim you should consider retaining the services of a qualified disability advocate or Social Security Attorney. These professionals can ensure that your claim is prepared and presented properly to the Social Security Administration and that it is processed according to the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
To learn more about the Social Security Compassionate Allowance listings or to find out if you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to a case of inoperable, unresectable or recurrent small intestine cancer or small intestine cancer with distant metastasis, submit a request form for a free disability evaluation today.
