Every August 1st, World Lung Cancer Day raises awareness about lung cancer, its risks, early detection, and the people whose lives are affected by the disease. Lung cancer remains the top driver of cancer fatalities globally, with about 2.5 million newly identified cases in 2022. Unfortunately, lung cancer is frequently diagnosed at later stages, leaving fewer treatment choices available.
For someone diagnosed with lung cancer, the disease can impact every area of their life. The illness and ongoing cancer treatment can make it difficult or impossible to continue working.
If lung cancer prevents you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Understanding the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) requirements can help you determine whether it is time to apply.
What Is World Lung Cancer Day?
World Lung Cancer Day takes place on August 1st each year. It is an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and support people living with the disease.
Lung cancer can affect anyone, although certain factors can increase a person’s risk. Smoking is a major risk factor, but people who have never smoked can also develop lung cancer. Other risk factors include exposure to radon, secondhand smoke, air pollution, and certain substances associated with some occupations (e.g., asbestos or diesel exhaust).
For people already diagnosed with lung cancer, World Lung Cancer Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges that can follow a diagnosis. Those challenges may include the loss of the ability to work and earn income.
Can You Get Social Security Disability for Lung Cancer?
Yes, you can get disability for lung cancer if your condition meets the Social Security Administration’s requirements. Some forms and stages of lung cancer can meet the SSA’s medical criteria for disability. Other patients may qualify for benefits because cancer treatment or lasting complications make them unable to maintain substantial work.
A lung cancer diagnosis does not automatically mean every applicant can receive disability benefits. Medical evidence, the type and extent of the cancer, treatment, and the impact on a person’s ability to work can all affect a disability claim.
How Lung Cancer Can Affect Your Ability to Work
Lung cancer can cause serious symptoms that interfere with both physical and mental capabilities. Symptoms vary from person to person but may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing
- Chest pain
- Weakness
- Severe fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty completing physical activities
Treatment can create additional challenges. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and other cancer treatments may cause fatigue, nausea, pain, weakness, or other side effects. Frequent appointments and hospital stays can also make maintaining a regular work schedule difficult.
Someone who previously performed physical work may no longer be able to lift, walk, or remain active for an entire shift. Even less physical jobs may become difficult when fatigue, pain, or treatment side effects affect concentration and attendance.
How Does Lung Cancer Qualify for Disability?
Lung cancer can qualify for disability if a claimant cannot work and otherwise meets the eligibility criteria, including medical criteria. The SSA includes lung cancer in its Listing of Impairments, also known as the Blue Book. The Blue Book contains various medical conditions the SSA considers severe enough to qualify for SSD.
Lung cancer is evaluated under Listing 13.14. Certain cases may satisfy the listing, including some forms of non-small-cell carcinoma. Small-cell carcinoma is also addressed by the listing. Superior sulcus tumors, including Pancoast tumors, are evaluated under specific criteria.
A person whose cancer does not exactly meet Listing 13.14 can still potentially qualify for benefits if their condition medically equals a listing in severity, or if the cancer, treatment side effects, and other conditions leave them unable to work. The SSA considers the cancer’s origin and extent, response to treatment, and lasting treatment effects.
Meeting the requirements for SSD can provide a path to receiving lung cancer disability benefits. However, medical documentation is essential.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Lung Cancer Disability Claim?
The SSA needs medical evidence showing your diagnosis, the extent of your cancer, your treatment, and other important details about your condition. Evidence may include:
- Pathology or biopsy reports
- Imaging results
- Surgical reports
- Oncology records
- Hospital records
- Treatment plans
- Records of chemotherapy or radiation
- Physician notes
- Documentation of treatment side effects
- Records showing recurrence or spread of cancer
Your records should clearly establish the type of lung cancer you have and its severity. They should also document treatment and any lasting symptoms or limitations.
What If Your Lung Cancer Does Not Meet a Blue Book Listing?
Not every person with lung cancer will meet the exact requirements of Listing 13.14. That does not necessarily mean you cannot receive disability benefits.
The SSA may determine that a condition medically equals a listing when it is at least equal in severity and duration to the criteria of a listed impairment. If your condition does not meet or equal a listing, the SSA may evaluate whether medical limitations prevent you from working. This can include considering the combined effects of cancer, treatment, other medical conditions, and ongoing symptoms.
They will also determine if you can do the work you did previously. If not, the SSA will assess whether you can do any other type of work that is available to you.
The SSA may review your ability to stand, walk, lift, carry, concentrate, maintain attendance, and complete other work activities. Your age, education, work experience, and transferable skills are also important. If you’re unable to perform other types of work, they’ll determine that you qualify for disability benefits.
SSDI and SSI for People With Lung Cancer
There are two main federal programs that provide disability benefits to people who cannot work because of medical impairments, like lung cancer. These include:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Generally available to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to earn the required work credits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Based on financial need and available to disabled, blind, and aged individuals who meet the program’s income and resource requirements
Both programs use Social Security’s disability standards. Depending on your work history and financial situation, you could potentially qualify for SSDI, SSI, or both.
Can Lung Cancer Disability Claims Be Expedited?
Some severe cancer cases may qualify for faster processing through the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program. Compassionate Allowances helps quickly identify certain diseases and medical conditions that clearly meet Social Security’s disability standards.
Some claims may also be selected for Quick Disability Determination (QDD) processing. The SSA uses a computer-based predictive model to screen initial applications and identify claims that are highly likely to receive a favorable decision and have medical evidence readily available.
Expedited processing does not eliminate the need for supporting evidence or other applicable eligibility requirements. Medical records documenting the diagnosis, cancer type, extent of disease, and treatment help the SSA identify and evaluate your claim.
Why Lung Cancer SSD Claims Require Strong Evidence
Strong medical and work-history evidence helps the SSA determine whether your lung cancer meets its disability rules. A diagnosis alone does not provide enough detail for the SSA to approve a claim.
Your application should include records that document the cancer type, stage, spread or recurrence, treatment plan, treatment side effects, symptoms, and functional limitations. It should also accurately describe your past jobs and explain why your condition prevents you from performing those duties or other work on a sustained basis.
Applying for disability benefits while living with lung cancer can be difficult. Incomplete or inconsistent information can delay a decision or lead to a denial. Even when a person has a serious illness, the SSA may need additional evidence before it can find that the person qualifies for disability.
How a Social Security Disability Attorney Can Help
A disability attorney can help you build a strong claim. This may include reviewing your medical records, identifying missing evidence, completing forms, communicating with the SSA, and helping you through an appeal if your initial claim is denied.
O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group works with clients who are unable to work because of serious impairments, including cancer. Our team understands Social Security Disability requirements and can help you navigate the application or appeals process.
World Lung Cancer Day Is Also a Reminder to Know Your Rights
World Lung Cancer Day brings much-needed attention to prevention, screening, treatment, and support. It can also serve as a reminder that people living with lung cancer have options when their condition takes away their ability to work.
If lung cancer or the side effects of treatment are preventing you from maintaining employment, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. You don’t have to figure out whether your claim qualifies on your own.
Contact O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group today to discuss your lung cancer disability claim. Our law firm can review your situation, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward pursuing the SSDI or SSI benefits you deserve. Schedule a free consultation!
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