Glioma (Grade III and IV) Social Security Disability

Glioma is a very rare yet very fatal tumor that affects both children and adults. Only about half of those who are diagnosed with glioma live one year beyond the diagnosis of the disease and fewer than 25 percent live two years beyond diagnosis. Individuals who are diagnosed with glioma may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, but most disability applicants know that the average disability claim can take two years or more to complete. When someone does not have a life expectancy of more than two years, is it fair to make them spend those two years fighting for disability benefits from the SSA? The SSA has recognized the fact that some disability claims need special consideration and, as a result, they implemented the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances guidelines. The conditions that fall under these guidelines allow a disability applicant to be approved for benefits in a matter of weeks rather than having to wait months or years for benefits to begin. If you or your child has been diagnosed with glioma, the following information will help you understand the condition and how it may qualify you for expedited approval of a disability claim with the Social Security Administration.

Glioma (Grade III and IV) Condition and Symptoms

Glioma is a type of tumor that usually originates in the brain or in the spine. Gliomas are categorized by grade. When someone is diagnosed with Grade III or Grade IV, it means that the gliomas are anaplastic, malignant and carry the worst prognosis.

The symptoms of Grade III and Grade IV gliomas will vary depending on the origination of the glioma and how for the condition has progressed. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, cranial nerve disorders, vision loss, seizures, pain, numbness and weakness. While gliomas do not metastasize via the blood, they can spread through the fluid in an individual’s spinal cord.

Researchers have yet to find the exact cause of glioma. It is thought that certain genetic disorders may contribute to the development of the condition. Other research indicated that gliomas may be linked to cell phone usage and exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

Filing for Social Security Disability with Glioma (Grade III and IV)
Each and every year the Social Security Administration receives millions of claims from disability applicants. Almost every year approximately 70 percent of the initial claims received are denied. These millions of denied disability applicants must then appeal the SSA’s decision if they hope to receive disability benefits in the future.
The disability appeal process normally consists of a request for reconsideration and a disability hearing. Because there is such a large backlog of appeals that are currently being handled by the SSA, it can take two years or more for a disability applicant to get their day in court.

Fortunately, the SSA has recognized that not all disability applicants can wait such extensive periods of time for their disability claims to be processed. As a result, they implemented the Compassionate Allowances program. Under this program, an applicant may be approved in a matter of weeks rather than having to wait months or even years for benefits to begin. Those who have been diagnosed with glioma (Grade III and IV) are among those who may qualify for claim processing under these guidelines.

It is important to note that even though this condition has been included in the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances guidelines, diagnosis of glioma does not mean an automatic approval of your disability application. In order to qualify for disability benefits, you will still need to fill out your claim forms properly (and in great detail) and will need to furnish the SSA with sufficient medical evidence.

Glioma (Grade III and IV) and Your Social Security Disability Case

If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits for yourself or for a child who has been diagnosed with Stage III or IV glioma, you may want to consider retaining the services of a disability attorney. Applying for disability benefits can be overwhelming and the paperwork involved can be complex. You must fill this paperwork out properly in order for your claim to be approved and an attorney can ensure that every “t” is crossed and every “i" is dotted.

A disability lawyer can also ensure that your disability claim forms are submitted in such a way that the SSA understands the nature of the claim and how you or your child may qualify for benefits under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines. This will help you receive your benefits in a matter of weeks rather than having to wait months or years before benefits can begin.