If you have pancreatic cancer, you most likely are not able to work and earn a living. You will want to start the disability claims process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees disability benefit programs that pay disabled workers monthly benefits.
Most disability claims are denied on the first review. Reports indicate 70 percent of claims are rejected. If your claim is denied, you should not give up. Instead, you should file an appeal, which is called a request for reconsideration, to get your claim reconsidered and reviewed.
How To Appeal the Decision
When you apply for disability benefits with pancreatic cancer, they will review your claim. When a claim is denied, you will receive a notice of denial. It will explain why your claim was denied and how long you have so you can file an appeal, which is called a request for reconsideration. You will need to provide the additional details that are needed to resolve the reason for claim denial, and you must make sure you file your appeal before the deadline that is indicated.
You will need to review the Blue Book listing for pancreatic cancer. You will also need to gather supporting medical evidence, such as proof of diagnosis, medical test results, scans and imaging reports, surgical notes, and details about treatments and side effects. The more supporting evidence that you can provide for your disability claim, the more likely you are to have a successful claim and be awarded disability benefits.
Blue Book For Condition
To qualify for disability benefits for pancreatic cancer using the medical guide, which is the Blue Book, you will need to provide supporting documentation as specified. The listing for pancreatic cancer is split into the two different kinds of pancreatic cancers – exocrine carcinoma and islet cell carcinoma.
You will need to provide medical records that show the kind, extent, and location of the cancer. If you have undergone surgery, provide the pathology report and surgical notes.
To qualify with islet cell carcinoma, you will need to provide documentation that shows one of the following apply – the tumor is inoperable or that the tumor is unresectable and that the cancer cells are active. If you cannot provide evidence that indicates these criteria, then you will need to use a medical vocational allowance that is supported by a residual functional capacity (RFC) form completed by your treating physician.
Considering an RFC
If your condition does not meet the exact Blue Book listing, you can still qualify for disability benefits. The RFC will detail your restrictions and limitations. When the disability examiner reviews your RFC, they will be able to determine what you can and cannot do.
The medical vocational allowance considers your age, work history, your transferrable skills, and educational background all together to determine what kind of work – if there is any – that you can do.
Don’t Try It Alone
If you are applying for disability benefits with pancreatic cancer, you may want to enlist the help of a disability attorney. You will need to make sure you use all the resources available to you and that you adhere to doctor’s orders.
Your chances of a claim approval may increase when you are represented by a disability lawyer. Complete the Free Case Evaluation above today!
