Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
Various types of cancer
What it covers
All types of cancer (carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, lymphoma, etc.).
What SSA looks for
Medical evidence specifying the type, origin, and extent (stage) of the cancer (operative notes, pathology reports are key). Criteria often depend on the type/stage of cancer and response to treatment: Some cancers qualify automatically based on type/stage (e.g., metastatic or inoperable cancers). Others qualify if they persist, recur, or progress despite treatment. Specific criteria exist for different cancer types (e.g., lymphomas, leukemias). Duration: Often considered disabled for at least 3 years after complete remission (unless a specific listing says otherwise, like 12 months post-transplant). Residual effects of cancer or treatment are considered after this period.
