If you have been diagnosed with Hormone-refractory prostate cancer and you can’t work because of the symptoms of this condition or the treatment that you’re going through, you can apply for Social Security disability benefits. Hormone-refractory prostate cancer qualifies anyone diagnosed with it to apply for disability benefits under the Compassionate Allowance program. The Compassionate Allowance program speeds up the processing of disability applications for serious conditions.
What Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer?
Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer is recurrent cancer that comes back despite hormonal intervention or cancer that has spread from the prostate to the bones or visceral organs like the liver or lungs. Symptoms of Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer can include:
- Blood in the urine
- Impotence
- Pain in the hips, back (spine), or chest (ribs)
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Typically any cancer that is recurrent or spreads from the original site of development qualifies for the Compassionate Allowance program.
What Is A Compassionate Allowance?
The Compassionate Allowance program was started to make sure that people who have extremely serious or terminal medical conditions don’t get stuck waiting for a long time to have their application for disability benefits processed. When someone submits an application for disability benefits and they have a condition that is on the Compassionate Allowance list their application is flagged for fast processing. They can start receiving money very quickly after their application is approved, sometimes in just a few weeks.
There are dozens of conditions that are on the Compassionate Allowance list and more are added every year.
Qualifying For Disability Benefits With Prostate Cancer – Hormone Refractory Disease
Hormone-refractory prostate cancer qualifies as a Compassionate Allowance if the cancer has come back after treatment or if has spread from the original site. It can also qualify if it meets the requirements in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book which are:
The cancer must be metastatic (Stage IV) to lung, liver, or other internal visceral organ (excluding bone metastases);
or
It must be progressive or recurrent despite initial hormonal therapy. Prostate Cancer with visceral metastases also qualifies.
Medical Evidence For Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer
When you submit an application for Social Security disability benefits you need to submit as much medical evidence as you can that shows your condition meets the SSA’s requirements. A letter of diagnosis is important, and so are things like MRIs, X-rays, blood tests, biopsies, and other medical records. For Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer you should submit:
- Clinical history and examination that describes the diagnostic features of the impairment
- Pathology report of biopsy findings
- Treatment notes indicating antineoplastic therapy
- Surgery or imaging reports that document the spread or recurrence of prostate cancer
You may also want to submit other documentation of your condition or how it impacts your ability to work as well.
Get Help With Your Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer SSD Claim
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be confusing, and if you’re very sick you don’t have time to wait to appeal your claim if it gets denied. It’s a good idea to speak with an experienced disability lawyer who can help you fill out the application and gather up the right medical evidence to show that you meet the Blue Book requirements. Complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page to get connected with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website.
