A victim of Primary Peritoneal Cancer (PPC) may qualify for disability benefits under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowance Program. PPC is a rare cancer which starts in the thin layer of tissue lining the inside of the abdomen called the peritoneum.
PPC cells are the same as the commonest type of ovarian cancer cells. This is because the abdomen lining and the surface of the ovary originate from the same tissue. Doctors treat PPC in the same way that they treat ovarian cancer.
What is Primary Peritoneal Cancer?
Primary Peritoneal Cancer is a rare cancer which begins in the thin layer of tissue lining the inside of the abdomen called the peritoneum. It has the following
signs and symptoms:
- swelling, pain or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen or pelvis;
- heavy and irregular vaginal bleeding particularly after menopause;
- a vaginal discharge that is white, clear or colored with blood;
- lump in the pelvic area;
- gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, the presence of gas or constipation.
What is a Compassionate Allowance?
Compassionate Allowances may be available for victims of medical conditions considered by the SSA to be so serious that it is important to fast track their disability benefits. There are hundreds of conditions that the SSA includes on their Compassionate Allowance lists, including many cancers or stages of cancer.
How Primary Peritoneal Cancer May Qualify as a Compassionate Allowance
The criteria in Section 13.23E of the SSA’s Blue Book is used to evaluate primary peritoneal carcinoma in women because this cancer cannot be easily distinguished from ovarian cancer. The SSA uses the criteria in 13.15A to evaluate primary peritoneal carcinoma in men because many of these cases are similar to malignant mesothelioma.
Section 13.23E includes if the cancer has invaded adjoining organs, whether metastases has emerged beyond the regional lymph nodes and the persistence or recurrence of PPC following initial anticancer treatment. All these conditions are prerequisites for eligibility for disability benefits.
Medical Evidence For Primary Peritoneal Cancer
The diagnosis for primary peritoneal cancer is made in the following ways:
- evaluating medical history and physical exam;
- a pelvic exam;
- results of an Ultrasound;
- results of a Computerized Tomography (CT/CAT) scan;
- results of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan;
- results of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI);
- results of a chest X-ray;
- examining a biopsy.
Get Help With Your Primary Peritoneal Cancer Claim
Ensuring your diagnosis of Primary Peritoneal Cancer qualifies you for disability benefits your symptoms will need to meet the requirements in the listing in the SSA’s Blue Book. If you work with an attorney he or she may be able to help you win the disability benefits you deserve using the compassionate allowances scheme which fast tracks needy cases.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page to get connected with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website.
