Intracranial hemagiopericytoma, also known as HPC, is a very rare malignant tumor that develops in the blood vessels adjacent to the lining of the brain. These tumors are very rare, accounting for less than 1 percent of all tumors found within the skull. While surgery is often the best approach to such tumors, the recurrence rate of this type of cancer is very high, as is the mortality rate. When an individual is diagnosed with this condition, the symptoms of the tumor themselves and the side effects of treatment make it nearly impossible to maintain substantial gainful activity. Common symptoms include headaches, seizures, confusion, weakness, neurological symptoms, and vision loss. In some cases, HPC is accompanied by paraneoplastic syndrome and/or hypoglycemia as well. Fortunately, in many cases, Social Security Disability benefits can help alleviate some of the financial stress caused by the condition.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability with Intracranial Hemangiopericytoma
Traditionally, it takes two to four months to complete the initial stage of the Social Security application process. Intracranial hemangiophericytoma, however, has been including in the SSA's Compassionate Allowances listings. Individuals who suffer from conditions that have been included in the Compassionate Allowances programs may be able to qualify for benefits in less than two weeks due to the severity of the condition.
In order to qualify for benefits under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances program with intracranial hemangiopericytoma, you will need to furnish evidence to the SSA that proves that your condition meets this Compassionate Allowances listing. This means providing the SSA with copies of:
- Your complete clinical history, describing the diagnostic features of the condition;
- Laboratory findings to confirm the diagnosis;
- Oncology consultation reports;
- Imaging studies;
- Biopsy reports; and
- Pathology reports
You will want to ensure that copies of this medical documentation are included with your application for disability benefits. Written statements from your treating physician can also help strengthen your disability case.
How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits online or in person at your local Social Security office. When completing your application, you will be asked to fill out a number of forms. It is very important that you fill out each of these forms in their entirety and provide detailed answers to each and every question that is asked of you. The answers that you provide on these forms will help the adjudicator reviewing your case understand how you qualify for disability benefits under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances program.
In addition to filling out the necessary forms, you will also want to include copies of your medical documentation, as discussed above. If you are applying for SSI benefits, you will also want to include financial records proving that you meet the SSA's financial eligibility criteria for SSI payments. These records should include bank statements and paycheck stubs along with proof of assets.
While it is not common for the SSA to deny claims based on a Compassionate Allowances condition, it has been known to happen. This is usually due to improperly prepared applications or lack of supporting evidence. If your initial claim is denied, you may want to enlist the help of a disability lawyer. A disability lawyer can help you understand why your initial claim was denied and will help you appeal the SSA's decision to deny your disability benefits.
