Is Leukemia a Qualified Medical Disability?
Leukemia, a qualified medical disability under many circumstances, is a malignant blood disorder, an imbalance or overproduction of white blood cells at the expense of red cells and platelets. The impact on the rest of the body can be disabling and eventually fatal, but treatment and survival rates have improved dramatically in the last few decades.
Surviving leukemia requires aggressive and ongoing treatment that takes a great toll on the person. Depending on the type of leukemia, those who qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) are assumed to be disabled from working for 12 months or 24 months. After that, the person will be reevaluated for continuation of disability benefits.
Types of Leukemia You Can Claim Under the Social Security Disability Program
As with other cancers, leukemia is treatable and not necessarily disabling. The attorneys of Schwartzapfel Partners P.C. are skilled at demonstrating why you or your loved one cannot sustain employment after a diagnosis, relapse or bone marrow transplant for the following types of leukemia:
- Acute leukemia: This refers to the rapid onset and aggressive progression of the disease. Acute leukemia (lymphocytic or myelogenous) is considered a disability for at least 24 months from the date of diagnosis or relapse, or at least 12 months from the date of a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. After that period, the person is evaluated for residual impairments under the criteria for the affected body system(s).
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML): Chronic leukemia progresses more slowly, sometimes over several years. It often goes into remission with chemotherapy, but later returns. CML, which is more often fatal than the lymphocytic form, is a listed impairment by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
We Have the Skill and Experience You Need to Prove You Qualify for SSD Benefits
Our SSD lawyers excel in representing clients with treatable forms of leukemia, especially those with less intense symptoms, or in helping clients appeal when their disability insurance benefits are discontinued after the SSA's 12-month or 24-month impairment review. We carefully document the debilitating effects that prevent our client from working, such as bone pain, weight loss, shortness of breath with exertion, fatigue or frequent infections.
Our New York law firm has a high success rate with disability insurance claims, including initial applications and appeals of denied claims.* Learn more about our experience and what we can do for you. Contact our SSD attorneys today for a free case evaluation.
Leukemia is often thought of as a children's disease, but the median for diagnosis is age 66. While survival rates vary, what matters are your prognosis, your treatment plan and your symptoms. Our caring and professional legal team is committed to securing the benefits you need.
Contact Our New York Office for More Information. You Pay No Attorneys Fees Unless We Win.
Our lawyers are here to help answer your questions and guide you through the complex Social Security Disability process. There is no upfront cost for our case evaluation or representation. We do not collect attorneys fees unless and until we win money and benefits for you. Call us at 888-801-1914 or contact our New York law firm online to learn more about qualifying leukemia for SSD benefits.
*Past results do not guarantee a future outcome.
