Lymphoma is a type of cancer in the lymphatic system—the network in your body that helps fight disease and infection. Because there is lymph tissue throughout your body, lymphoma can originate nearly anywhere. There are basically two types of lymphomas: Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s. Typically, non-Hodgkin’s disease affects people who are middle-aged, and treating it is more difficult than treating Hodgkin’s.

When you suffer from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you may experience fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, anemia, and weakness. These symptoms can alter the way you live and interfere with your ability to work. If you have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s, you are likely eligible for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

How to Receive Disability Benefits for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Both types of lymphomas—non-Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s disease—are cited as disabilities in the SSA Blue Book, under Listing 13.05. Under the following circumstances, you can be approved for non-Hodgkin’s disability :

  • You have an aggressive lymphoma, and this “diffuse large B-cell lymphoma” does not disappear after the first round of radiation or chemotherapy.
  • You have indolent lymphoma, and it requires more than one round of radiation or chemotherapy within a one year time period.
  • You needed a stem cell transplant or bone marrow transplant to resolve your lymphoma.

The SSA will require evidence of any of these three circumstances to consider automatic approval of your condition. You need to provide tissue or lab reports from your doctor, as well as imaging reports. Your doctor should also include information that describes how your lymphoma has responded to treatment and how advanced it is.

If you suffer from non-Hodgkin’s disease, you will likely qualify for benefits from the SSA. Contact us at 402-933-5405 to discuss your situation. We can help determine if you’re eligible for approval for your condition.

 

Sean D. Cuddigan
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SSA and VA Disability Attorney in Omaha, Nebraska