If you have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer it is part of the Social Security Administration’s list of compassionate allowances, which should qualify you to receive disability benefits in a short time.
This compassionate allowance was implemented by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2008 so as to decrease the length of time it takes to consider a social security disability benefits claim for anyone diagnosed with certain named conditions including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer.
However, despite the fact the claim is supposed to take less than 10 days for the SSA to approve, you still have to submit reliable medical evidence showing you are suffering from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer.
What is the Compassionate Allowance List?
The SSA has written a list of more than 200 disabling conditions that it permits to qualify for the compassionate allowance program including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer. You must have the correct medical documentation which proves that you have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer.
Your claim will then be automatically prioritized by the SSA and you can expect your disability benefits claim to be fully processed and approved within 10 days of your claim being filed. This is much less time that most disability benefits claims which often can take months and even years before a decision is finally reached.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer
Medical qualification for a compassionate allowance if you have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer isn’t too hard if your doctor confirms the presence of the condition with the right evidence.
The symptoms that may help to confirm that you have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer could include the following:
- painless swelling of a lymph node;
- unexplained presence of a fever;
- excessive sweating, particularly at night;
- loss of appetite;
- unexplained loss of weight.
Medical Evidence Needed to Qualify for Disability Benefits With Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer
Even though the presence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer may qualify for a compassionate allowance, you are still required to provide your medical records to support your disability benefits claim. Tests used to confirm the presence of non-Hodgkins lymphoma cancer are:
- Physical examination checking for enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, and liver.
- Complete blood count (CBC) to determine the number and the nature of blood cells.
- Urine test to rule out infections.
- X-rays of the organs is done by taking images using X-rays to check for lymphoma in different parts of the body;
- A CT scan which provides detailed images of the body to check for the lymphoma;
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to provide more detailed images of the lymphatic system;
- Positron emission tomography (PET) is radioactive drug is used to show the functioning of organs and tissues;
- Lymph node biopsy when a part or an entire lymph node is removed for microscopic examination to confirm the presence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma;
- Bone marrow biopsy which involves removing just a small sample of bone marrow from the hipbone to check for lymphoma.
Next Steps to Take
Filing a claim for disability benefits under the compassionate allowance program for non-Hodgkins lymphoma cancer is not always straightforward. The SSA requires reliable evidence that shows you are suffering from non-Hodgkins lymphoma cancer before your claim for disability benefits can be approved.
Even if it is listed on the compassionate allowances program this doesn’t necessarily make it any easier to qualify. An attorney may help you to gather together all the required medical evidence and submit your condition under the compassionate allowance program so that your eligibility for disability benefits is approved as soon as possible.
