Each year millions of disabled workers apply for Social Security Disability benefits from the Social Security Administration and each year nearly 70 percent of these applicants are denied benefits during the initial stage of the application process. These denials result in an influx of appeals into an appeal system that is already backlogged. This backlog means that some disability applicants wait more than two years for benefits to begin, if they are ever approved at all. Fortunately the SSA has acknowledged that not all Social Security Disability applicants can wait such long periods of time for an approval of their disability claim. That is why the Compassionate Allowances guidelines were created. Under these guidelines, some applicants who are facing certain conditions can be approved for benefits in just a few weeks instead of waiting months or years. Those who are suffering from carcinoma of unknown primary site fall into this category. If you have been diagnosed with carcinoma of unknown primary site, the following information will help you understand the condition and how it may qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Site Condition and Symptoms
When an individual is suffering from carcinoma of unknown primary site (also known as cancer of unknown primary origin or CUP) it means that there have been cancer cells found in the body, but the place where the cancer began to grow has not or cannot be determined.
Although diagnosis of cancer and cancer treatments have undergone rapid changes and improvements over the years, there are still instances in which a case of metastatic cancer cannot be pinned down to a point of origin. In these cases, the doctors will diagnose the cancer as carcinoma of unknown primary site. It has been estimated that 2 percent of all cases of cancer are diagnosed as carcinoma of unknown primary site.
Because the primary site where cancer develops is often used to determine how the cancer is treated, it is harder to treat this particular type of cancer. The expected outcome of the cancer treatment and the overall prognosis is hard for doctors to predict due to the nature of the condition.
Because the original area of the development of cancer cannot be found with cases of carcinoma of unknown primary site, it is nearly impossible to understand what causes this type of cancer.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Site
Carcinoma of unknown primary site is covered under Section 13.27 of the SSA’s Blue Book of medical impairments. Under this section of the Blue Book a Social Security Disability applicant will qualify for benefits if there is a metastatic carcinoma or sarcoma with an unknown site after an appropriate search, except for squamous cell carcinoma that is confined to the neck nodes.
If you have been diagnosed with this condition and your condition qualifies under this section of the Blue Book, you should apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as possible. When you file your Social Security Disability claim, make sure you fill out the application paperwork as thoroughly as possible. This means providing detailed answers to all of the questions. Yes or no answers will not suffice if you want to have your application approved during the initial stage of the application process. You will need to provide as much detailed information as possible in order for the adjudicator who reviews your file to understand the severity of your claim.
In addition to providing detailed information on the Social Security Disability claim forms you will need to provide the SSA with as much medical documentation as possible. This includes lab results, treatment histories and written statements from treating physicians. This medical evidence will be used to support your claim for Social Security Disability benefits.M
Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Site and Your Social Security Disability Case
If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits due to a carcinoma of unknown primary site you should consider retaining the services of a Social Security Disability attorney even though the condition is covered under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances guidelines. Just because a condition is included in the Compassionate Allowances listings does not mean that your claim will be automatically approved by the Social Security Administration. All of your paperwork must be filled out properly and you must have sufficient medical evidence to prove your claim for Social Security Disability benefits. A disability attorney will know what the SSA needs to see in order to approve your claim and will ensure that your application is presented to the agency in the best light possible.
If your initial application for benefits is denied, your lawyer can help you through the Social Security Disability appeal process. It is important to note that conditions that qualify for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines are given a higher priority status than other disability appeals so your appeal will be processed in a timely manner. However, you must make the SSA understand how your condition qualifies under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines. The services of an attorney can help you accomplish this task.
To learn more about the Social Security Compassionate Allowances listings or to find out if you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to a case of carcinoma of unknown primary site, click here for a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability case.
