October is breast cancer awareness month and the question on many claimants’ minds is “Can you get disability for breast cancer?” In this post, we’ll answer that question and learn more about breast cancer disability.
Breast Cancer in the United States
The American Cancer Society has an excellent overview on the prevalence of breast cancer in the United States. It reads as follows:
“Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women, behind skin cancers. The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%. This means there is a 1 in 8 chance she will develop breast cancer. This also means there is a 7 in 8 chance she will never have the disease.”
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Only lung cancer kills more women each year. The chance that a woman will die from breast cancer is about 1 in 39 (2.6%). Since 2007, breast cancer death rates have been steady in women younger than 50 but have continued to decrease in older women. From 2013 to 2018, the death rate went down by 1% per year.
Experts think better treatments as well as finding breast cancer earlier through screening is impacting the death rate in a positive way.
Can You Get Disability for Breast Cancer?
To determine whether your condition qualifies as a disability, Social Security representatives will consult their medical guide, known as the Blue Book. The Blue Book is SSA’s official publication of disabling conditions.
Breast cancer falls under Section 13.10 of the Blue Book. Additionally, if you have a sarcoma of the breast, SSA may evalate you under Section 13.04.
To qualify as disabled, you must meet the conditions listed in the breast cancer listing and have relevant medical evidence to provide the Social Security Administration along the way.
Earlier stage breast cancers without metastasis that are highly treatable are not likely to qualify for disability benefits. But advanced breast cancer with metastasis, recurring cancers and/or serious complications resulting from breast cancer treatment may help an individual qualify for Social Security Disability.
Working With a Disability Lawyer in Greensboro
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is a complicated and long process. Many claimants decide to work with a disability lawyer to make the process easier. And, claimants who work with a disability lawyer have higher approval rates than those that don’t. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer and would like to work with a disability lawyer in Greensboro, contact our office today for a free consultation on your claim.
