In 2020, the American Cancer Society estimated that nearly 22,000 women would receive a new diagnosis for ovarian cancer that year. In addition to being the fifth most common type of cancer, it is the primary cause of female cancer deaths in the U.S.
Unfortunately, like many cancers, ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has reached a late and potentially incurable stage. At that point, symptoms like pelvic pain, nausea, fatigue, and lower back pain may be so intense that you can no longer work.
Even the common treatments, which include surgery and chemotherapy, can leave you so debilitated that gainful employment becomes impossible.
Later-stage ovarian cancer is one of the conditions that automatically qualify you for disability benefits under the Compassionate Allowance system, which can provide you with the financial resources you need much more quickly.
Qualifying for a Compassionate Allowance with Ovarian Cancer
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a listing for ovarian cancer in Section 13.23 of the Blue Book, which is its guidebook for recognized disabilities. You will have your disability benefits application approved if you have:
- Germ-cell ovarian cancer that has recurred after initial treatment OR;
- A carcinoma or sarcoma with tumors beyond the pelvis, metastatic tumors in the lymph nodes, or recurrence after initial treatment.
The SSA will require medical evidence of your cancer diagnosis, specifically-
- Information about your treatments and prognosis
- Diagnostic reports such as bloodwork and imaging scans
- Operative and pathology reports (if applicable)
- Treatment side effects and any impairments caused by the cancer or the treatments
There are over 200 illnesses or conditions that qualify for disability benefits under the compassionate allowance system, which is designed to help seriously ill people receive approval and payments much sooner.
With later-stage ovarian cancer that is inoperable or unresectable, your application will be flagged for faster review and you could be approved in as little as three weeks instead of the months and even years that regular applications face.
Have Your Case Reviewed by a Disability Lawyer
While qualifying for a compassionate allowance for ovarian cancer will result in faster consideration of your application, delays can still occur if the information you provide is incomplete or necessary medical documentation is missing.
To prevent unnecessary delays, you should complete and submit your application under the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability attorney.
Working with an SSD lawyer on your application has several advantages, namely:
- Full and correct completion of the application forms
- Collection of all the medical evidence that the SSA will want to see in order to make a decision in your case
- Representation through the appeals process if your application should be denied for any reason
A disability lawyer will present your case so that you are most likely to qualify for and receive the Social Security disability benefits you need under the compassionate allowance system. To connect with participating, independent SSD attorneys who subscribe to our website, complete the free evaluation form today.
