There are millions of Americans in the U.S. workforce who are covered by Social Security Disability Insurance. Each and every time they are paid by their employer, these hard-working individuals pay into the Social Security program in the form of FICA taxes. If these taxpayers become disabled, they assume that Social Security Disability benefits will be there for them. Unfortunately, actually obtaining the disability benefits that these individuals need is not always as easy as they thought it would be.
Statistics show that the Social Security Administration denies approximately 70 percent of the disability claims received each year. The applicants who are denied disability benefits during the initial stage of the Social Security Disability claim process must go on to appeal the SSA's decision in order to obtain the benefits they may be rightfully entitled to. Unfortunately, the Social Security Disability appeal process is an undertaking that can take some disability applicants more than two years to complete.
Many of the disability applicants who are facing severe and extenuating disabilities feel that the exhaustive application and appeal process is unreasonable. Some people cannot possibly wait years, or even just a few months, for disability benefits to be approved. In 2008 the Social Security Administration recognized this fact by implementing the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines, some Social Security Disability applicants are able to obtain disability benefits in just a few weeks. There are 88 conditions that qualify an application for processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines. Ovarian cancer with distant metastases or ovarian cancer that is inoperable or unresectable is one of the 88 conditions included in the Compassionate Allowances listings. If you have received a diagnosis of inoperable or unresectable ovarian cancer or ovarian cancer with distant metastases, the following information will help you understand the disability claim process and what you can do to increase your chances of obtaining a quick approval of your Social Security Disability claim under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Ovarian Cancer - Conditions and Symptoms
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer and is the leading cause of gynecologic-related cancer deaths in the United States. This particular form of cancer begins in the ovaries, which produce eggs, estrogen, testosterone and progesterone in the female body.
Ovarian cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women who are over the age of 60, with approximately half of all cases being diagnosed in women over the age of 65. It is possible, however, for ovarian cancer to develop in younger women – especially those who have a family history of the condition.
Because ovarian cancer is often undetected until it has spread, it is usually diagnosed at a late stage and is commonly fatal. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are not specific and they are often confused with more common conditions, leading to a delay in diagnosis for many patients. Common symptoms of the condition include abdominal pressure, pelvic pain, indigestion, gas, nausea, constipation, increased urination, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, fatigue and lower back pain.
Treatment for ovarian cancer is available, but the success of the treatment will depend on how far the cancer has progressed and the age and health of the patient who has developed the condition. Ovarian cancer is most commonly treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. When a case of ovarian cancer cannot be successfully treated with these methods, the treatment will be focused on making the patient as comfortable as possible. Cases of ovarian cancer that are inoperable or unresectable or ovarian cancer that has metastasized to other areas of the body qualify an individual for Social Security Disability benefits under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Ovarian Cancer
Cases of ovarian cancer with distant metastases or ovarian cancer that is inoperable or unresectable can make it impossible for an individual to work. Because of this, many patients will need to rely on Social Security Disability benefits in order to make ends meet.
When filing a claim for Social Security Disability benefits based on a diagnosis of inoperable or unresectable ovarian cancer or ovarian cancer with distant metastases, make sure that you answer all questions on the disability application with detailed and thorough explanations. Simple one-word answers will not suffice. Also include a complete copy of your medical records and lab results along with written statements from your treating physicians. These records will be needed to support your claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.
Your Ovarian Cancer Social Security Disability Case
If you are filing a disability claim based on a diagnosis of inoperable or unresectable ovarian cancer or ovarian cancer with distant metastases, you may think that your disability benefits will be automatically approved by the Social Security Administration. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case. While this condition does qualify for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines, it is still possible to be denied benefits during the initial stage of the application process.
If you want to increase your chances of a quick and hassle-free approval of your disability claim, you may wish to retain the services of a qualified disability attorney or advocate. These professionals can help you in the preparation of your disability claim, ensuring that your application is submitted to the Social Security Administration in the best light possible. Your advocate or attorney can also ensure that the adjudicator reviewing your claim understands how it qualifies for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
