If you are unable to work because of lymphoma, you will want to apply for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can use a residual functional capacity (RFC) form to help you get your claim approved.
An RFC identifies how current limitations prevent you from meeting the physical, mental, and sensory requirements of the workplace. An RFC is completed by a physician and clearly indicates what you can and cannot do despite your medical issues.
How To Use An RFC When You Have Lymphoma
An RFC completed by a physician can be beneficial to your disability claim. Lymphomas are tumor that originate from lymphoid cells and lymph nodes. It can cause weight loss, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes. It can significantly affect your ability to function and perform routine tasks.
As an example, you are a 60-year-old worker in a manufacturing facility. You have done the same job for 40 years. You have been diagnosed with lymphoma, which causes extreme fatigue. You have also lost 30 pounds and no longer have the strength and abilities that you have had before. You cannot work 8-hour shifts lifting, bending, and grasping because of your condition.
What To Include With Your RFC For Lymphoma
You will need to provide a completed disability claim form along with your RFC. You must also provide hard medical evidence and supporting documentation. You will need pathology reports, blood tests, imaging reports, and detailed exam notes.
You must provide documentation that details your symptoms, your prognosis, your treatment plan, and any side effects that you suffer from the treatment plan. Often, chemotherapy or radiation is used to treat lymphoma and those have serious side effects, such as nausea, aches and pains, fatigue, and so forth.
You will need to provide as much evidence and documentation that you can that shows how you are affected by your condition and that you can longer do your job. You will also need to show that the severity of the condition, along with your age, educational background, and other factors keeps you from retraining for another job.
Without supporting evidence and documentation, your claim will not be approved. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you will need to prove that you have enough work credits, so provide a detailed 10-year work history. To qualify for needs-based Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must provide proof of income and proof of financial assets.
Get Help With Your RFC For Lymphoma
If you are unable to work because of lymphoma, you should enlist the help of a disability attorney. An attorney will help you gather supporting evidence and documentation and will speak with your physician about completing the RFC. Claimants represented by a lawyer are more likely to be approved for disability benefits.
When you retain a lawyer, you will not pay anything out of pocket because disability lawyers take cases on a contingency basis. Ask for your free case review today.
