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Brain tumors are an often-overlooked type of condition that may qualify you for Social Security disability benefits. As with any type of cancer, often the disabling conditions may not come from the actual tumor itself, but rather from the treatment the patient must undergo to manage the cancer.
Types of Brain Tumors
There are 2 major types of brain tumors: primary and metastatic. Primary tumors originate in the brain and may be malignant or benign, while metastatic tumors develop from cancer cells elsewhere in the body that travel to the brain and produce a malignant tumor.
A benign brain tumor is one that is slow growing and has distinct borders restricting growth. These types of brain tumors rarely spread and are often non-cancerous. They are rarely life threatening unless they are located in a vital area such as the brain stem. Removal by surgery is the typical, most effective treatment for most benign brain tumors.
A malignant brain tumor is a rapid-growth tumor that often invades other organs and body systems and is often life threatening. These brain tumors can involve intensive treatment and often affect the function of other body systems, sometimes producing symptoms that classify a patient for Social Security disability benefits due to the effects.
Disabling Effects of Brain Tumors
The actual symptoms of a brain tumor can be classified as disabling enough to qualify a patient for Social Security disability benefits. Some of the symptoms of brain tumors may include:
Treatment of Brain Tumors
Depending on the nature and severity of the tumor, there are several treatment options for brain tumors. Some such as surgery will not produce any further disability and can even resolve some disabling conditions associated with brain tumors.
Other treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy can cause additional conditions and side effects such as weakened immunity, fatigue, and the risk of radiation poisoning or burns. Some of the more aggressive brain tumor treatments can result in additional conditions which can be considered disabling, allowing you to be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
Coping with Brain Tumors and Treatment
When you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a brain tumor you have several options. To apply for Social Security disability benefits you need to be able to provide evidence that you have a medical condition that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity for a period of 12 months or longer.
An experienced Ft. Lauderdale disability attorney will be able to provide you with guidance in obtaining the proper medical proof and work-related documentation you need to file your claim for Social Security disability benefits. If your claim is denied and you need to seek an appeal, your attorney will be prepared to help you fight for your benefits.
Contacting a Ft. Lauderdale Disability Attorney
If you or your loved is suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.