If a tumor is benign, it’s not a problem, right? Well, not necessarily. When medical issues occur due to benign brain tumors, typically they are related to the tumor or tumors putting undue pressure on nearby parts of the body. Depending on where the tumor is located, this can cause issues such as seizures, bleeding inside your skull, and impaired vision.
The SSA understands how problematic many of these issues can be, and because of this, it has recognized non-cancerous brain tumors as a condition eligible for Social Security disability benefits – provided that the victim qualifies.
There are two ways that you can medically qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you have a benign brain tumor. You can match the listing for this issue in the SSA’s Listings of Impairments, or you can attempt to prove equivalency.
What exactly is the Listings of Impairments? It’s a sort of encyclopedia of disabling conditions created by the SSA to make the process of applying for benefits follow a clear system. In this document, you will find definitions for every single condition that they recognize along with a set of criteria that you have to meet if you want to qualify. Meet these criteria, and you will be eligible to receive benefits.
Of course, not everyone can meet the SSA’s sometimes very specific requirements, despite the fact that they are truly suffering. If you or someone you love falls into this category, there’s another way: you can use the Five Step Sequential Evaluation Process to prove to the SSA that your impairment is just as severe as something in the Listings, and that it has prevented you from being able to work for at least 12 months.
This secondary method tends to be a bit trickier though, so you should always try to win your claim by matching a listing first.
What the SSA Listing 11.05 Requires of You
Because the benign brain tumor itself is not the problem, but rather what it is doing to surrounding body tissues and systems, the SSA evaluates benign brain tumors under the following criteria:
- Impaired motor function in two extremities that is persistent and severe and makes it difficult for you to move around or engage in more dexterous movements.
OR
- Impaired physical function AND one of the following impairments:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying; or
- Interacting with others; or
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or
- Adapting or managing oneself.
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Don’t Forget the Secondary Method for a Benign Brain Tumor
Anyone who can’t match a listing exactly for a benign brain tumor should consider using the secondary method to qualify.
It will not be easy. You will absolutely want a knowledgeable Social Security disability attorney by your side if you do this – preferably someone who has handled cases like this before and had success. Your journey may not always go smoothly, but an experienced lawyer will be able to guide you in providing the kind of information that positively influences the SSA to help get you the Social Security disability benefits that you need.
Learn even more about the claims process by reading our free Social Security Disability eBook, and be sure to look through our extensive blog for more information on how you can get the Social Security disability benefits that you deserve. If you need help today, call us at 713-929-2664 for a free case evaluation.
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