Social Security disability (SSD) benefits could be granted to patients of any pituitary disorders, more so if the problem has worsened into cancer. It is important for adults who are unable to work, have lost their jobs, or are lacking in financial resources to know that SSD benefits might be available to them.
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is made available by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to those who have paid enough of their Social Security taxes and earned adequate credits. SSDI allows pituitary cancer patients to receive monthly benefits along with their eligible dependents.
About Pituitary Cancer
A person’s pituitary gland is considered the “master” of all glands in the body, since it is responsible for producing the hormones that regulate the other glands and important organs of the body including the following:
- Ovaries
- Adrenal glands
- Testicles
- Thyroid glands
The pituitary gland is located below the front of the brain, at the back of the eyes. The most common symptoms of pituitary tumors include nausea, weight gain, confusion and bruising. Though it is a rare type of cancer, and those who acquire it will definitely need all the financial assistance they can get. It also necessitates a special type of caring since there is no universal guide for its treatment due to its rarity.
The costs involved for treating pituitary gland disorders, including pituitary cancer, can prove very expensive that SSD benefits will go a long way. Monthly medication may range from $200 to $1000. For treatments involving radiation or surgery, the amount needed may range from $12,000 to $55,000. Tumor removal could reach $40,000 and even as high as $150,000 if surgery requires the opening of the skull. These costs could differ depending on various factors, such as:
- Type of tumor
- Symptoms produced
- Severity of the condition
You may need the assistance of a Social Security disability advocate or attorney to ensure completeness and accuracy of the information you will supply the SSA and increase the odds of your claim being approved.
Pituitary Cancer Blue Book Listing
The SSA’s medical guide is referred to as the Blue Book. It is from this Blue Book that you will determine if the condition you have is eligible for SSD benefits. Under the Blue Book, pituitary cancer is included among endocrine disorders found under Section 9.00. The Blue Book defines an endocrine disorder to be a medical condition causing hormonal imbalance and one of the major glands of the endocrine system is the pituitary.
The SSA evaluates the impact of endocrine disorders by assessing the impairments that result from it under its own listing of other body systems. For the pituitary gland disorders that include pituitary cancer, what will be considered is its effects which could vary based on the involved hormones. Pituitary gland disorders disrupt the normal functioning of other endocrine glands and the production of hormone. If, for instance, the pituitary hypofunction affects the kidney’s electrolyte and water balance resulting to diabetes insipidus, then the assessment of SSA will be based on the effects of the kidney disease found under Section 6.00 of the Blue Book.
Get Help from a Disability Attorney or Advocate
Given the medical complexities involved including the legal intricacies of applying for SSD benefits based on your pituitary cancer, it is most advisable to acquire the help of a disability attorney. An SSD attorney or advocate can facilitate on your behalf and could increase the odds of being approved for your much needed benefits.
