Adrenal Cancer and Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Lawyer

Typically, applying for and receiving social security disability benefits can take many months.  But what if your disabling condition is so severe that you cannot wait?  Adrenal cancer with distant metastases and/or that is recurrent, inoperable, or unresectable, is considered a disabling condition on the Compassionate Allowance List which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.

What is Adrenal Cancer?

Adrenal cancer is a rare and aggressive cancer that causes your adrenal glands (small glands that sit above each of your kidneys) to produce excessive amounts of adrenal hormones (cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, aldosterone, etc.).  No one knows for sure what causes adrenal cancer, but most adrenal cancer is diagnosed because the excess hormones it produces prompt people to seek medical attention. Because adrenal cancer often goes undiagnosed for years, it can metastasize to other organs in the body and cause numerous problems because of the hormones produces. Adrenal cancer occurs most often in adults between 40 and 50 years old, but can also affect children.

Adrenal Cancer Symptoms

Adrenal cancer can go undetected for a long time, but some of the symptoms include:

• Pain in the abdomen and flank
• Growth of excess facial or body hair in women
• Early puberty in children
• Breast enlargement in men
• Feeling of fullness in the belly
• Weight loss
• Return of vaginal bleeding in post-­‐menopausal women
• Easy bruising
• High blood pressure

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to talk with a doctor immediately.

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits and Adrenal Cancer

Adrenal cancer with distant metastases and/or that is recurrent, inoperable, or unresectable, automatically qualifies you for social security disability benefits under the Social Security Administration’s guidelines.  If you are diagnosed with adrenal cancer, then you are considered disabled for at least 24 months from the date of diagnoses.  If you undergo a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, then you are considered disabled for 12 months from the date of surgery or 24 months from date of diagnoses, whichever is longer.