Leukemia

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Leukemia and Social Security Disability Benefits

Leukemia is the broad term for a series of illnesses associated with cancer. Leukemia affects the bone marrow by causing the production of abnormal white blood cells. These cells in particular grow at a rapid rate and don’t stop growing in many cases. Over time, these cells can push away normal cells, causing a wide variety of complications. There are several different types of leukemia. Acute leukemia develops quickly and progresses just as quickly if not faster. Chronic leukemia is often slow to develop and symptoms may not appear for years. If the leukemia is lymphocytic, it affects white blood cells called lymphocytes. On the other hand if the condition is myelogenous then it affects myeolocytes. Common symptoms include night sweats, swollen/painful belly, bleeding (easily), and infections (easily).

In most cases dealing with cancer, it is the actual treatment of the illness that will incapacitate the individual . The numerous amounts of surgeries and therapies will incapacitate the person for days or even months at a time.

Leukemia and Social Security Disability Help

If the applicant’s impairment falls within any of the following categories set forth by Social Security’s Listing 13.06, then a strong claim may exist. The Listing is as follows;

A. Acute leukemia (including T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma). Consider under a disability until at least 24 months from the date of diagnosis or relapse, or at least 12 months from the date of bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, whichever is later. Thereafter, evaluate any residual impairment(s) under the criteria for the affected body system. OR

B. Chronic myelogenous leukemia, as described in 1 or 2:

1. Accelerated or blast phase. Consider under a disability until at least 24 months from the date of diagnosis or relapse, or at least 12 months from the date of bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, whichever is later. Thereafter, evaluate any residual impairment(s) under the criteria for the affected body system.

2. Chronic phase, as described in a or b:

a. Consider under a disability until at least 12 months from the date of bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. Thereafter, evaluate any residual impairment(s) under the criteria for the affected body system.

b. Progressive disease following initial antineoplastic therapy.

The procedures associated with attempting to eliminate or inhibit leukemia will make any type of regular work difficult. The treatments will keep the sufferer in the hospital or render them unable to perform any task.