If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you are one of about 220,000 cases diagnosed this year. Prostate cancer is one of the more treatable and curable forms of cancer, but it is also one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men as well.
If your prostate cancer is advanced, recurring, or causes you serious problems, you might be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits which are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Speak with a Social Security disability attorney or advocate to get help with your claim today so you can work toward being approved for monthly benefits.
How Does Prostate Cancer Qualify For Benefits?
The SSA uses a medical guide, which is called the Blue Book, to determine whether an individual meets the criteria of being disabled and qualifying for benefits. To meet the medical criteria to qualify for disability benefits because of prostate cancer, your medical records must show one of the following:
- Your cancer is small-cell carcinoma (sometimes called oat cell)
- Your cancer has spread or metastasized to your internal organs
- The disease returned or progressed despite your initial treatment
If you have prostate cancer that has either spread or returned, your disability application should be given an expedited review and faster approval through the Compassionate Allowances Program. Documentation that proves your diagnosis and the severity of your condition are imperative for a successful claim.
How Can An Attorney Help Me While Applying?
Your attorney will help you gather all the documentation and medical records needed to prove your disability and to help you get benefits. Disability Determination Services will need to see all your medical records, including physician notes, prescription records, lab reports, X-rays, scans, and treatment records. These documents should show the severity of your condition and how it impacts your ability to work and function. Your attorney will make sure the SSA has the documents that it needs to evaluate your case fairly.
How Can An Attorney Help Me If My Claim Is Denied?
Disability claims are often denied. In these cases, an appeal must be filed and the case will advance to the hearing level before an administrative law judge. When at the hearing, a vocational expert will question you regarding your condition. As an example, you will be asked, “Do the treatments cause nausea and fatigue that affect your ability to stand?” “Do you experience weakness that keeps you from standing long periods or walking significant distances?” “Has your treatment impacted your ability to lift or pull?” Your attorney will have an idea as to what kinds of questions will be asked and help you prepare for this situation.
Connect With an Attorney Today
On this page is a Free Case Evaluation Form. Complete that form to be connected with a local Social Security attorney or advocate who can help you get your claim on the right track so you can get the monthly benefits that you need during such a challenging time.
