T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma is a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which presents similarly to leukemia. It is a condition that is recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as inherently disabling, particularly when it develops in children, and is among the diseases approved for quick review for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits as part of the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program.
Child T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Symptoms and Treatments
While T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma has much in common with leukemia, including its affects on the central nervous system, bone marrow and spleen, there are also distinct differences between the two, which is why this form of cancer is classified separately. The major distinction in symptoms is the development of tumors in various regions of the body, including the:
- Abdomen
- Lymph glands
- Tonsils
- Thyroid
- Bones
- Skin tissues
T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma typically develops in early childhood. It is rarely diagnosed in its early stages and often progresses quite quickly, advancing to stages III and IV before diagnosis. The earlier the condition is diagnoses, the more promising the prognosis. Treatments used with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation treatments
- Radioimmunotherapy
- Biological cancer treatments
- Surgical resection of tumors, when possible
The stage of the cancer and the child’s age and overall health determine the course of treatment. Therapies are often used in conjunction or consecutively.
Applying for SSD with Child T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
As Child T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma is a CAL approved condition, denial of benefits based on medical criteria is rare; however, you must still complete the application process and support your claim with substantial medical documentation to prove disability. The CAL designation only ensures the application will be reviewed more quickly and with minimal delays. It does not guarantee benefits.
In reviewing the medical information in your child’s application, the SSA will consult the Blue Book listing for T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, which appears under Section 113.06 under the listing for acute leukemia. Under this listing, your child’s condition is considered disabling for a minimum of 24 months from the date of diagnosis or relapse, regardless of how he or she responds to treatment.
If approved for benefits, your child’s eligibility will be periodically reviewed to ensure he or she still meets the criteria for receiving benefits under disability program rules. This includes the review of current medical condition as well as analysis under technical eligibility criteria.
It is crucial to note that children’s disability benefits are paid through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which is a need-based program designed to give support to those with minimal financial resources. Children must have very limited income and assets available in order to receive benefits through SSI.
The SSA will review your child’s financial resources and your own income and assets to determine technical eligibility through SSI. Even if your child meets medical eligibility criteria, he or she may or may not be approved for benefits, dependent upon the outcome of the analysis of technical/financial eligibility.
Getting Help with Your Child T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Disability Claim
Though T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma is considered an inherently disabling disease and is also approved for the expedited review and processing of claims as part of the SSA’s CAL program, disability benefits are not guaranteed. You must still complete the full application process and support your claim with sufficient medical and other documentation to prove disability. You may wish to consider seeking assistance from a disability advocate or attorney in filing your application and collecting the required records for supporting the claim.
