Each and every year, millions of hard-working U.S. citizens pay into the Social Security program. They assume that the disability benefits provided under this program will be there for them if they should ever need them. Unfortunately, when a disability occurs, many of these applicants find out just how hard it can be to obtain the Social Security Disability benefits they are entitled to – sometimes waiting years before ever seeing their first disability payment.
What happens to applicants who develop a disabling condition that is so severe that they cannot wait months, let alone years, for Social Security Disability payments to begin? In some cases, the Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowances program may help. In 2008, the Social Security Administration rolled out their Compassionate Allowances program, acknowledging that some disability applicants need immediate consideration of their disability claims. Individuals who have been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer are some of the applicants who may qualify for faster approval under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
If you have been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer and are wondering how the condition may qualify for benefits under the Compassionate Allowances program, the following information can help you understand the Social Security Disability application process and teach you how to increase your chances of obtaining an approval of your disability claim.
Gallbladder Cancer - Conditions and Symptoms
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that is located on the right side of your abdomen just under the liver. This organ stores bile, which is produced by your liver and is used to digest food. While gallbladder cancer that is caught in the early stages is very treatable, most cases go undetected until the cancer has advanced. Because of this, many of the diagnosed cases of gallbladder cancer have a very poor prognosis.
In its early stages, gallbladder cancer does not present noticeable symptoms. Once the condition progresses, however, it is not uncommon for patients to experience abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, itchiness, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, nausea and a jaundice of the skin and eyes.
While it is hard to pinpoint the cause of gallbladder cancer, there are certain risk factors that can increase an individual's chances of developing the condition. Women are at an increased risk of developing gallbladder cancer, as it is more prevalent in females than in males. A history of gallstones and other gallbladder diseases and conditions may also cause an increased risk of gallbladder cancer development.
If a doctor suspects a case of gallbladder cancer, there are a variety of tests that he or she may order to diagnose the condition. Transabdominal ultrasounds, CT scans, endoscopic ultrasounds, MRCPs and MRIs may all be performed to diagnose the condition. Treatment will vary depending on how far the cancer has progressed. The most common form of treatment for gallbladder cancer is removal of the gallbladder. Chemotherapy and radiation may also be needed.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Gallbladder Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with a case of gallbladder cancer, you should file your claim with the Social Security Administration as soon as possible. Because gallbladder cancer is one of the 88 conditions that qualifies for faster approval under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, you may receive an approval for disability benefits in just a few weeks. When filing for disability, provide the SSA with as much medical evidence as possible. Test results, treatment records and written statements from your treating physicians should all be included with your Social Security Disability claim.
Your Gallbladder Cancer Social Security Disability Case
When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits based on a diagnosis of gallbladder cancer, it is important that you remember that the diagnosis is not a guarantee of an instant approval from the Social Security Administration. Even though gallbladder cancer is one of the 88 conditions that qualifies for expedited processing under the Compassionate Allowances program, you will still need to prove your case to the SSA.
While it is not common, it is not unheard of for the SSA to deny a claim for benefits based on a condition that is covered under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines. These denials are usually due to improperly submitted applications or a lack of knowledge on the part of the adjudicator reviewing the file. Because of this, you should consider retaining the services of a qualified Social Security attorney or advocate to represent you in your disability claim. With proper representation you can be sure that your claim for Social Security Disability benefits is prepared properly and that the adjudicator reviewing your case will understand how your condition qualifies for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
