GLIOBLASTOMA & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS GLIOBLASTOMA?
Glioblastoma is an aggressive and highly malignant brain tumor that forms from glial tissue of the brain and spinal cord. The cells that look very different from normal cells. The cells spread aggressively throughout the brain tissue, which makes it difficult to treat. It is the most common malignant brain cancer and accounts for 47.7% of all cases.
Glioblastomas often occur in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain. But, they can develop in other parts of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include headaches, seizures, personality changes, and neurological issues. It all depends on the location of the tumor.
Glioblastomas occur in adults between the ages of 45 and 70 years. The median age of diagnosis is 64 years old. Usually, the tumor affects the brain more than the spinal cord. Additionally, glioblastomas are more common in men versus women.
Most patients with glioblastomas die within 2 years. However, some people survive much longer. For example, Carmen Rice is the longest living survivor of glioblastoma. In 2024, she celebrated 20 years cancer free.
If you have glioblastoma, then you will not be able to work. Instead, you will spend your time fighting cancer. Therefore, it is important to file for SSD benefits as soon as you know you have a brain tumor. You can file for SSDI and SSI benefits online on the Social Security website.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GLIOBLASTOMA
The signs and symptoms of glioblastoma depend on the size, location, and growth rate of the tumor. However, common symptoms include persistent headaches and seizures. The seizures can occur even though there is no prior history of epilepsy.
Other common symptoms are memory loss, confusion, and problems with concentration. Additionally, you may experience personality or behavior changes. Some people are irritable or they have mood swings. Depending on the pressure from the tumor in the brain, you may experience weakness in your limbs and trouble with balance and coordination. Speech and language difficulties and changes in vision are also common signs of glioblastoma.
Your doctor will diagnose whether or not you have glioblastoma based on your patient history and a neurological exam. Other testing to confirm diagnosis of glioblastoma includes a CT scan or an MRI. These tests will confirm the size and shape of the brain tumor. However, the only definitive test that can provide a diagnosis is a biopsy of the tumor. These tumors are very different than benign brain tumors.
TREATMENT FOR GLIOBLASTOMA
There are a number of treatment options for glioblastoma. However, the chance of recovering from it depends on the size and location of your tumor. It also depends on whether the cancer has spread to the rest of your body. Surgery may be an option to remove or reduce the size of a brain tumor, but many tumors are inoperable. In other cases, surgery may not work. Surgery is not likely to cure cancer, but it can stop the spread of the tumor. It can also prevent seizures in some cases.
Other options for treating glioblastoma include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Medications may also be given to treat the tumor, but they will not cure the condition. However, medications can help relieve symptoms and reduce seizures. They may also lower the risk of a tumor coming back in the same location.
Consciousness raising drugs are sometimes given to brain tumor patients during periods of remission or when their symptoms do not require sedation. In these cases, these drugs work by helping you stay awake and alert. They also help pain control.
Sedative drugs are given to reduce anxiety and induce sleep in people with glioblastoma. The side effects from medical therapy can be severe and also prevent you from working. If that is the case, then the side effects from brain cancer therapy can form the basis of your claim.
NEW TREATMENTS FOR GLIOBLASTOMA
A July 2024 article from New York Magazine states immunotherapy offers a new form of treatment for glioblastoma. Scientists Marcela Maus and Bryan Choi are using the immune system’s all purpose killer, the T cell, to destroy tumors.
The T cell sends a signal to neutralize pathogens of all sorts, including bacteria and viruses. It is also destroying cancer cells. The doctors extract T cells from the patient’s blood. Then, they edit the cells’ DNA in a lab and reintroduce them at the site of the tumor. They infuse the genetically modified white blood cells directly into the fluid surrounding the brain. The body treats the cancer as if it is a virus and destroys the tumor.
Glioblastoma is the most common type of malignant brain cancer. It can strike at any age and it is fatal. The cancer is usually found in the emergency room after the tumor causes symptoms like a seizure. The tumor can also cause a sudden loss of speech or the loss of control over the limbs on one side of the body. Once the first symptoms occur, the patient has just over a year to live.
With this new treatment, there is hope for a cure. Eventually the T cell treatment will go beyond the trial phase. Unfortunately, the median costs of T cell modification therapy is $620,000. As more treatments like this get FDA approval, the cost should go down. Researchers are also looking at ways to use a virus to modify T cells inside of the body of the patient. If they can do this, then it will also lower the costs of the treatment.
SSA LISTING 13.13 AND GLIOBLASTOMA
If you have a glioblastoma, then the SSA will use “Blue Book” listing 13.13 for cancer of the central nervous system. They will use the listing to determine if you meet the SSD criteria for benefits. Listing 13.13 is for cancer of the primary central nervous system. It includes brain and spinal cord cancers. As you can see, under Listing 13.13(A)(1), having a glioblastoma meets the listing. Below are the elements of the listing:
Listing 13.13 Nervous system.
A. Primary central nervous system (CNS; that is brain and spinal cord) cancers, as described in 1, 2 or 3:
1. Glioblastoma multiforme, ependymoblastoma, and diffuse intrinsic brain stem gliomas.
2. Any Grade III or Grade IV CNS cancer, including astrocytomas, sarcomas, and medulloblastoma and other primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs).
3. Any primary CNS cancer, as described in a or b:
b. Progressive or recurrent following initial anticancer therapy.
OR
B. Primary peripheral nerve or spinal root cancers, as described in 1 or 2:
2. Progressive or recurrent following initial anticancer therapy.
The SSA will decide whether you meet the listing by reading the medical evidence in your case. Then, they compare your medical evidence to the elements of the listing. Therefore, it is crucial that you submit all of your medical records to the SSA. You should also submit a statement from your doctor as to whether you meet the listing.
MEDICAL RECORDS WIN YOUR GLIOBLASTOMA BENEFITS
The main benefit you need if you have glioblastoma is Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI). Under step three of SSA’s review process, each severe medical condition has its own listing. To meet a listing, the SSA considers only the elements under that specific listing. If you meet the listing, then you should be paid SSD benefits. Equalling the listing, however, allows the SSA to consider the combination of all of your severe conditions, including both mental and physical conditions.
Hire our law firm. We know how to prove to the SSA that you should be paid SSD benefits. Our legal team prepares you for success. During your case, we collect your medical records. All you have to do is get treatment from your doctor. Medical records from your treating sources prove you deserve benefits. Medical records are the only evidence the SSA will accept to prove your case. If you don’t have a doctor, then you will need to find one. We have a list of free and low cost treatment options in your state:
- CALIFORNIA FREE AND LOW COST CLINICS
- COLORADO FREE AND LOW COST CLINICS
- IDAHO FREE AND LOW COST CLINICS
- NEVADA FREE AND LOW COST HEALTH CLINICS
- UTAH FREE AND LOW COST HEALTH CLINICS
GLIOBLASTOMA IS A COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCE
Glioblastoma is a compassionate allowance under SSA’s program. The program serves over 700,000 people whose conditions meet SSA’s rules. The point of the program is to process your SSDI and SSI case quickly. The SSA put glioblastoma on the list because it is a severe and fatal disease. Most diseases that fall under the program are obvious disabilities.
Patients with glioblastoma can file an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). When your case falls under the program, you can expect a faster review. Once the SSA grants your disability benefits, you can focus on your treatment instead of your financial situation.
Hiring a legal team with experience to help you through the process is a wise choice. This will make the application process easier for you. It will also help you win benefits. If you think you need the assistance of a law firm, then let us help you.
APPLY FOR SSD BENEFITS AS SOON AS YOU CAN’T WORK
If you have a glioblastoma, then it is important to file an application for SSD benefits as soon as possible. You should be aware that in order to win benefits, you must be off work or have a medical condition that will keep you off work for one year or more. Clearly, glioblastoma qualifies. Below is an explanation as to each type of SSA benefit for which you can apply:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
SSDI benefits are for those who work and pay taxes. The amount of money you will receive from SSDI benefits is based on your earnings during your work history.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough “work credits.” A work credit is an amount of taxable income. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year. The amount of work credits you need will depend on how old you are when you apply. SSDI benefits come with Medicare. Learn about Medicare benefits.
If you don’t have enough work credits at the time you apply, then you can only apply for SSI benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
SSI is a needs based benefit. It is for people with little to no income, such as children and the elderly. Anyone who makes more than a certain amount of money per month cannot receive SSI benefits. The SSA counts the income of those in your house, not just your income.
If you have a spouse who earns more than $4000 a month, for example, then that income prevents you from getting SSI benefits. You cannot qualify for SSI benefits, no matter how severe your brain tumor, if you do not meet the income and asset rules for SSI. SSI benefits come with Medicaid. Learn information about Medicaid benef benefits.
WHAT WE DO TO HELP YOU WIN SSDI AND SSI BENEFITS
If glioblastoma keeps you from working, then you need to apply for Social Security disability benefits. You can always call our law firm and we will help you. We can help you file your SSD application. Also, we can help you appeal every SSA denial. For example, our attorneys and staff can:
- Send you the paperwork you need to become our client
- Help you file your application for SSDI and SSI benefits
- Inform the SSA they should pay your benefits under the Compassionate Allowance Rules
- Appeal if you receive an initial denial
- Help you confirm your SSA doctor exam
- Request a Hearing with an SSA Judge
- Prepare you to testify at your SSA hearing
- Represent you at your hearing and question the witnesses
- Read about job experts
- Learn about medical expert testimony
- Request review of an SSA decision with the Appeals Council
- Request review of an Appeals Council denial in Federal Court
If you file your application for benefits online at Social Security’s website, then you have 6 months to complete it. Once you submit your application online, the SSA sends you an application summary in the mail. You must sign the summary and mail it back. If you don’t send it back, then the SSA will not process your application. Sign it and send it back as soon as you can.
WHAT QUESTIONS WILL WE ASK WHEN YOU CALL US?
When you call our office, we will ask you questions about your work history. Your work history includes the jobs you have done for the last 5 years. Also, we will ask you questions about your legal history and if you have alcohol abuse problems. If you already have an attorney, however, you will need to call that attorney to answer your questions. We cannot answer questions if you already have a lawyer.
Also, we only charge an attorney fee when we win your benefits. If we do not win, then there is no attorney fee for you to pay. Whether you win or lose your benefits, you will need to pay the costs of your claim. However, those costs are usually low. You can also review our client paperwork on our Fee Agreement and Important Forms page.
Contact us today and hire the legal team with the experience to win your SSDI & SSI benefits. We will help you through each step of SSA’s five step review process.
HIRE US FOR OUR YEARS OF LEGAL EXPERIENCE
If you have a glioblastoma, then you need to hire a law firm with experience to win your benefits. Our SSD law firm is one of the best law firms in the country. We are one of the best Social Security benefits firm in Las Vegas, Nevada. Also, we are the best Social Security law firm in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Learn about Utah SSDI and SSI benefits and Nevada SSI Information. We also represent clients in Idaho. Also, learn about Idaho SSD benefits and Colorado SSD benefits. Likewise, if you are from California, learn about California SSDI & SSI benefit information.
Over the last 30 years, we have won thousands of SSDI and SSI claims. Additionally, we have won over $100 million in SSD and SSI benefits for our clients. It has become more difficult to win Social Security cases. Also, SSA’s listing rules are harder to meet. That is why you need an attorney who will help you win your case.
We recommend you do not attend your hearing without an attorney. Why? Because a lawyer can prepare you for your hearing. She can explain the judge’s questions. Preparation will help you win your case.
Those who attend the hearing without a lawyer are usually not successful in winning disability benefits. You should hire an attorney who has many years of legal experience dealing with the SSA. Contact Cannon Disability Law. We can help you win benefits for glioblastoma. Call us today. Ask us for a free review of your case.
