Cervical Cancer and Social Security Disability Insurance

February 16, 2013 (Press-News.org) Cervical Cancer and Social Security Disability Insurance

Article provided by Wagner, Nelson & Weeks
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Cervical cancer has become is a concern for women in Tennessee and across the United States. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. every year. Fortunately, the treatments and detection methods for this disease have improved, and fewer women are dying as a result.

Cervical cancer and its detection

Cervical cancer is a disease that affects women of every background and ethnicity. It typically happens in women who are over the age of 30. Women with cervical cancer do not always suffer obvious symptoms. Two tests are critical to the detection of cervical cancer. Pap smears and human papillomavirus tests should be conducted on a regular basis to ensure that the disease is discovered early.

Social Security Disability Insurance for cervical cancer

When cervical cancer affects the life of a woman to the extent that she is no longer able to work, SSDI may be an option for her. This program helps working individuals with severe disabilities pay for their expenses. Severe illness can qualify as a disability, but the illness must be expected to last more than a year or be terminal.

Cervical cancer itself may not directly affect the person's work, but the treatments often produce side effects. Radiation and chemotherapy are among the more common treatments available and often cause extreme fatigue or nausea, making it difficult for the person to work.

Qualifying and applying for SSDI

Qualifying for SSDI first requires an individual to work in a job covered by Social Security. The condition that causes the disability must also qualify under the specific definition provided by the Social Security Administration. Under this definition, disabled people can no longer perform the work they were once capable of, the condition doesn't allow them to adjust to other work and their current disability is likely to last more than 12 months or is terminal.

To apply for SSDI, individuals can fill out an online application, call a toll-free number or visit a local Social Security office. Several important pieces of information that the Social Security office will need to process the claim include an individual's Social Security number and proof of age, names and addresses of doctors and hospitals, test results, medical records, medication information and W-2 forms.

SSDI reconsideration

Unfortunately, about two-thirds of the SSDI claims are denied. A denied claim can mean many things, but it does not mean that there are no other options. Requesting reconsideration by a different person, appealing to a judge, a review by the SSA Appeals Counsel and an appeal in a federal district court are all possibilities and could lead to an approved claim.

In order to request reconsideration by these methods, it is imperative to have the assistance of a professional on one's side. Experienced SSDI attorneys are able to navigate Social Security's administrative process and provide valuable assistance to clients applying for Social Security disability benefits or clients appealing a prior decision.