Ow! My neoplasm!

My brain cancer buddies at PlanetCancer.org were talking about Social Security disability programs and referred me to http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm to find out if my malady qualifies me for disability.

To find out, click on "13.00 Malignant Neoplastic Diseases", then click the bookmark for "13.13 Nervous system". Says the website:

13.13 Nervous system.

A. Central nervous system malignant neoplasms (brain and spinal cord), as described in 1 or 2:

1. Highly malignant tumors, such as medulloblastoma or other primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) with documented metastases, grades III and IV astrocytomas, glioblastoma multiforme, ependymoblastoma, diffuse intrinsic brain stem gliomas, or primary sarcomas.

2. Progressive or recurrent following initial antineoplastic therapy.

OR

B. Peripheral nerve or spinal root neoplasm, as described in 1 or 2:

1. Metastatic.

2. Progressive or recurrent following initial antineoplastic therapy.

Now, if you've been following along with me, then you know I have a grade II astrocytoma, so I don't qualify for Social Security disability at this point in my life (and hopefully I never will).

However, I wanted to share this information with those who do have a grade III or IV.

If you are applying for social security or you are on the way to qualifying, you may need legal help in case something goes wrong with your case or you feel like you have been treated unfairly when putting your case forward because of tiny errors, and so on. There are organizations out there that can help you through this and be able to sit down and talk you through what you need to do and how to go about it. Crest SSD will help you file a social security disability claim and be there with you throughout it, they can help you avoid delays, and get you the amount that you deserve. It is worth looking at if you are worried that your disability is holding you back about going for it in case you mess up and don't know what to do.