Social Security Disability May be an Option If You Have ALL or AML

Any leukemia diagnosis can be life changing, but some leukemia diagnoses can be particularly catastrophic. Acute leukemia progresses quickly and, according to the American Cancer Society, these conditions can be fatal within a few months without treatment.

There are two types of acute leukemia, for example, that can be very serious and that can keep you from working. This includes:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). ALL starts in the immature version of white blood cells in the bone marrow known as lymphocytes. The disease enters the bloodstream quickly and then spreads to other parts of the body.
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML occurs in immature myeloid cells. The disease starts in bone marrow and quickly travels to the blood. It may also spread to lymph nodes, organs, and other parts of the body.

If you suffer from either of these conditions, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

How Will You Qualify?

You may qualify for Social Security disability in one of three ways:

1. You may meet the requirements in the Listing of Impairments. Section 13.06 is the listing for leukemia. People with acute leukemia meet the requirements for at least 24 months after diagnosis or relapse or 12 months after a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. After that, the impact of the disease on your specific body system(s) will be considered.
2. Your condition is at least equal in severity to another listing in the Listing of Impairments. If your condition limits you in the same way as another condition in the Listing of Impairments, you may qualify for benefits.
3. Your condition is so severe that you cannot work. If you are unable to work after consideration of your medical condition, the limits your condition puts on your ability to work, your education and your work history, then you may be eligible for Social Security disability.

You only need to establish eligibility in one of these ways.

Be Prepared to Make Submit a Strong Application

The requirements for Social Security disability eligibility are strict. You must submit a complete application and medical evidence of your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in order to be considered for benefits.

You don’t want to waste time and money pursuing an appeal when you meet the qualifications for Social Security disability. Instead, talk to a board-certified Social Security disability lawyer about your application and about how to get the benefits you deserve. Learn more by calling us directly for an initial consultation and by downloading our FREE book, Social Security Disability: What You Need to Know.

by Paul B. Burkhalter
Managing Partner of Morgan & Weisbrod, Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law.

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