Cervical cancer is one of the most common yet potentially serious cancers affecting women. Thankfully, cervical cancer is one of the most easily detectable cancers. Regular PAP smear tests can detect the presence of cervical cancer cells, leading to a quick commencement of treatment. If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer and can no longer work, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits.
Contact a Cervical Cancer Disability Attorney
Disability Advocates Group is dedicated to helping individuals who have become disabled due to a medical condition receive the benefits they need and deserve. If you or your loved one are no longer able to work because of complications from your cervical cancer diagnosis, you may be entitled to one or more types of monthly disability benefits. One of our experienced Los Angeles disability attorneys can address your concerns and fight to win the benefits you need and deserve. Contact Disability Advocates Group today to schedule your free initial consultation.
What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affect women. It is the second most common cancer affecting women, second to breast cancer. The first and most common type of cervical cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma. This cancer starts in the thin, flat cells on the outer part of the cervix. Adenocarcinoma is the second type of cervical cancer in the glandular cells that line the cervical canal. The treatment for cervical cancer depends on the type and severity of cervical cancer.
Symptoms Associated
Patients in the early stages of cervical cancer may experience no symptoms. As a result, annual screenings are even more important. Symptoms of more advanced cervical cancer can include the following:
- Vaginal bleeding that happens after sexual activity, between menstrual cycles, or after menopause
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Heavy, foul-smelling blood or vaginal discharge
Qualifying for Social Security Benefits with Cervical Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, you may be eligible to obtain Social Security disability benefits. However, being diagnosed with cervical cancer isn’t enough to qualify you for benefits. If you’ve been diagnosed with cervical cancer, you will need to meet several requirements to become eligible for Social Security benefits. You will also need to show that cervical cancer is preventing you from being able to work in your current job or in another job.
Additionally, you must not be currently working. You will need to show that you will be unable not to work for at least one year due to your disability. If you are not able to work at your current job, you will also need to show that you cannot work in any other job for which you have the skills or qualifications. Your cervical cancer will need to be considered severe, meaning that it interferes with your ability to perform basic work-related activities.
Meeting the Blue Book Listing
Social Security examiners use a manual commonly called the Blue Book to determine whether an applicant’s medical condition is serious enough to qualify him or her for benefits. The Blue Book does have a listing for cervical cancer. To be eligible, patients must show that their cervical cancer:
- Has spread outside of your cervix to the pelvic wall, vagina, or other organs, or
- Is persistent and recurrent despite chemotherapy treatment
If your cervical cancer doesn’t meet these requirements, you may still be able to obtain Social Security benefits. You may still be able to qualify for benefits if you can show that there isn’t any type of job you would be able to perform on a full-time basis. You will need to ask the doctor who has been treating you for cervical cancer to complete a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form. Your doctor will need to provide details regarding your diagnosis and how, specifically, your diagnosis affects your ability to work.
The Social Security Administration will also ask for input from your friends and family regarding how your cancer affects all of your daily functions. They will also consider all of your medical records, which are given the most weight during the decision-making process. When you go to the doctor, it’s important that you tell your doctor about all of your symptoms.
For example, if you are suffering from extreme nausea or fatigue due to chemotherapy and your doctor has recorded these symptoms in your patient file, you may be more likely to become eligible for social security benefits. An attorney can help you gather all of the documentation and medical information you need to show that your cervical cancer diagnosis has made it impossible for you to work full-time.
The Benefits of Working With an Experienced Social Security Disability Attorney
If you’ve been diagnosed with cervical cancer, you may be entitled to disability benefits. Unfortunately, applying for social security benefits can be overwhelming and daunting, especially for those who are receiving treatment for cancer. Working with an experienced attorney by your side can be helpful. You will not need to waste your valuable time on costly mistakes during the application process.
At Disability Advocates Group, we have helped thousands of clients just like you obtain the disability benefits they deserve. You can rest assured that we will complete your application in a thorough and timely manner. We will also represent you during the appeals process if your claim is denied. You can focus on your recovery while we focus on obtaining the benefits you need and deserve.
Discuss Your Case With a Social Security Attorney
At Disability Advocates Group, we have an in-depth understanding of all of the eligibility requirements for disability benefits for a cervical cancer diagnosis. We also have a well-earned reputation as defending disabled California residents. When you work with us, we will represent you throughout the entire process, from submitting your application to the appeals process. Contact Disability Advocates Group today to learn more about how our winning legal team can help you pursue the benefits you need and deserve.
