PCD & DISABILITY BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING PARANEOPLASTIC CEREBELLAR DEGENERATION (PCD)
PCD or Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration is a rare neurological condition associated with certain types of cancer. This condition arises due to an immune response triggered by the presence of a tumor. The immune system mistakenly attacks the cerebellum — the part of the brain responsible for motor control. While PCD itself is not caused by the tumor directly, its effects can significantly impair your ability to work and perform daily activities.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of PCD usually precede an underlying cancer diagnosis. Symptoms often present mildly. But then, the symptoms progress rapidly before you reach a disabled state. That state is then followed by a plateau period that can last for months to years. PCD affects around 5.4 per 100,000 people in the United States.
The SSA recognizes PCD is a severe medical condition. Therefore, in 2024, the SSA put the condition on the list of Compassionate Allowances. The SSA has a list of conditions that identifies cases where the individuals disease clearly meets SSA’s standard for disability benefits. The list is made by using information from the public, doctors and scientists, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Therefore, if you have PCD, then the SSA should process your claim quickly and award you benefits without weeks to a few months, instead of years.
IS PCD A DISABILITY?
Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration or PCD is a disability. PCD occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells in response to cancer elsewhere in your body. Therefore, PCD is associated with cancers such as:
The immune system produces antibodies to target the tumor. But in PCD, these antibodies also damage cerebellar neurons, leading to progressive neurological symptoms. Damage to the neurons often occurs before your doctor finds your underlying cancer. Therefore, early recognition of the disease is crucial to treating the disease.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PCD?
The symptoms of PCD often appear suddenly and progress rapidly over weeks to months. One of the main PCD symptoms is severe ataxia, which causes a loss of coordination and impacts normal movement. This can make everyday activities like writing, eating, or dressing difficult. Many patients also experience difficulty speaking. This can manifest itself as slurred or slow speech.
Other common symptoms include involuntary eye movements. For example, you may have rapid or erratic eye motion and dizziness. These eye symptoms can create a sensation of vertigo. Additionally, tremors may develop. Tremors are shaking of the hands, arms, or other body parts. Tremors make fine motor tasks difficult or impossible to do. Fine motor tasks include typing, fastening buttons, and tying your shoes.
Additionally, people with PCD often have difficulty walking or standing. This can lead to an increased risk of falls and injuries.
PCD symptoms can vary. However, they often result in significant challenges with daily living. Many PCD patients lose their independence. They may also require assistive devices, such as walkers. Some people might need round the clock care or support to manage basic tasks. Therefore, PCD can have a profound impact on both physical function and the ability to work.
HOW DO DOCTORS DIAGNOSE PCD?
Because PCD is a rare condition, it can be challenging for your doctor to diagnose. However, certain tests, along with your medical history and physical exam, can help. Key diagnostic tools include:
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- NEUROLOGICAL EXAM: PCD affects your nervous system, impacting your brain and muscle function. Your doctor may ask you to perform specific tasks to check how your nervous system functions. They will want to judge any change in your abilities related to strength, memory and coordination.
- MRI’S & OTHER IMAGING TESTS: Your doctor may use imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, for example, to look for a tumor that may be causing your symptoms.
- BLOOD TESTS: Blood tests can reveal evidence of a tumor. They can also confirm you have antibodies linked to PCD. Blood tests can also help your doctor rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms. For example, you may have an infection, a hormone disorder or a metabolic disorder.
- SPINAL TAP: Your doctor may perform a spinal tap to test your spinal fluid for signs of antibodies attacking healthy cells. During a spinal tap, your provider inserts a needle into your lower back to withdraw a fluid sample. Later, your doctor tests the liquid.
- CANCER SCREENING: It will also help if your doctor can identify the underlying cancer through imaging.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR PCD?
Your doctor will treat the underlying cancer that is causing your symptoms. They will also work to manage your symptoms and decrease damage to your body’s organs.
PCD is treated using several therapies aimed at managing symptoms and calming the immune system. One common treatment is cortisone or prednisone. These medications help reduce inflammation and swelling.
Doctors also use drugs to lower the immune system’s activity and prevent it from attacking healthy tissues. The type of medication depends on the specific syndrome. Another option is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. IVIG involves giving healthy antibodies through an IV to destroy the harmful antibodies causing the syndrome.
For some patients, plasmapheresis can help. This procedure removes the plasma in your blood that contains harmful antibodies. Then, it replaces the harmful antibodies with healthy plasma. This reduces the number of damaging antibodies in your blood.
In addition to these medical treatments, physical and speech therapy can help you with your symptoms. These therapies involve exercise to strengthen your muscles, improve movement, and restore speech. By combining medical treatments with therapy, many people with PCD can manage their symptoms.
PCD IS A COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCE
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates PCD under Neurological Disorders or the Cancer Listings in the Blue Book. Specifically:
- Neurological Disorders: PCD’s symptoms may meet the criteria for Listing 11.17 under Neurodegenerative Disorders.
- Cancer Listings: If the underlying cancer is advanced, then you may qualify under a cancer listing.
Some of the possible listings that may apply to PCD are as follows:
- 11.17 – Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Central Nervous System:
This listing applies to disorders that result in significant limitations in motor function, balance, or other neurological conditions. PCD’s impact on the cerebellum aligns with this listing. Because PCD causes progressive loss of motor control, speech issues, and other symptoms. - 11.14 – Peripheral Neuropathy:
If PCD causes peripheral nerve damage leading to difficulty with movement, weakness, or sensory loss, then it may also meet this listing. - 2.10 – Hearing Loss (if present):
In some cases, PCD may cause hearing loss or other sensory issues. If the hearing loss meets the listing, then it could qualify for benefits. - 2.00 – Special Senses and Speech Disorders:
PCD often affects speech due to cerebellar degeneration. Severe speech symptoms could meet or equal the listing.
The SSA’s decision will depend upon your medical evidence and the tests from your doctor. The results of tests such as MRI results, clinical notes, and functional assessments are important. Often, the SSA approves PCD cases under the Compassionate Allowance Program due to the severe and progressive nature of the disease.
YOUR RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY (RFC) CAN PROVE YOU ARE DISABLED
If your PCD does not meet or equal a listing under step three of the review process, then you can still qualify for benefits by proving your RFC prevents you from working. This involves showing how symptoms like motor loss and speech problems prevent you from performing your past work or any other work.
RFC is one of the most important concepts in your Social Security benefits case. The reason it is so important is your RFC can make the difference between winning or losing your benefits. If you can prove your RFC prevents you from working, then you win benefits. So, what is your RFC?
The RFC is the medical assessment of what you can physically and mentally do in a work setting. It is the definition of your limitations after taking into account all of your medical symptoms from you PCD.
In terms of physical limits, your RFC defines your ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift, during the course of an 8 hour workday. Likewise, the SSA will include your ability to carry, pull, and push. Learn how the SSA defines work.
RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY FINDINGS COME FROM YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS
In order to define your RFC, the SSA will examine your medical records. They will take into account what your doctor states in your medical records. Also, the SSA will review any statements from your doctors about your ability to work.
Additionally, they have their own doctors that review your medical records. These doctors never meet or examine you. Also, these doctors are paid by the government and work for DDS, the state agency who reviews all cases. The SSA will take the medical opinion of these doctors into account. Likewise, if they need more information, they may send you to an exam with one of their doctors. Learn what to expect at the SSA’s doctor exam.
The SSA will also consider descriptions about your limits from your family, neighbors and friends. Find out what types of evidence the SSA must consider. For example, your family or friends could write a statement about your mental and physical symptoms. Find out how RFC, along with age, can keep you from working. Also, learn about SSA’s Medical Vocational Guidelines.
HOW DOES THE SSA FIGURE OUT YOUR RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY?
In order to determine your RFC, the SSA first looks to the medical evidence in your case at step four of the SSA review process. That is why it is so important for the SSA to have all of your medical evidence. It is your “burden” or responsibility to provide all of your medical evidence to the SSA.
Typically, hiring a lawyer to help you is a wise choice. You can also obtain your medical evidence for free. If you do not have enough medical evidence for the SSA to make a decision, then they will arrange for you to visit a doctor that they chose. This visit to the doctor for an exam does not cost you any money.
THE SSA’S PHYSICAL DOCTOR EXAM
For example, if you have PCD, then the SSA can send you to see a medical doctor. Lately, however, they have been sending clients to see a physical therapist. Either way, the point of the visit is for the doctor or physical therapist to document your physical limits.
Therefore, if you use a cane in daily life, make sure you use it when you visit the doctor. Likewise, make sure you tell the doctor about your pain and if you are having problems with your ability to sit, stand, and walk. If the doctor asks you how much you can lift, tell her about the pain you experience with lifting.
The medical exam is a chance for you to let the SSA know about your limits. There is not cost for you to attend these exams. However, if the SSA schedules you for an exam and you fail to attend, then your case will be denied. Learn about SSA doctor exams.
KEY EVIDENCE FOR YOUR PCD DISABILITY CLAIM
To strengthen your claim for SSDI benefits due to PCD, you should provide comprehensive medical evidence, including:
- Documentation of your symptoms and their impact on daily life.
- Results of MRI scans or other imaging studies.
- Blood or CSF tests showing paraneoplastic antibodies.
- Records of your cancer diagnosis and treatments.
- Statements from your treating doctors about the limitations caused by PCD.
Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration is a condition that impacts your quality of life. For those with PCD, Social Security Disability benefits can provide ongoing financial support. By understanding the SSA’s requirements, you can improve your chances of winning benefits quickly.
If you or a loved one is living with PCD and struggling through the Social Security claims process, then consult with one of our SSD attorneys. We can give you the guidance you need to win benefits. Early action and obtaining your medical records are the key to winning the benefits you deserve.
OUR LAW FIRM CAN WIN BENEFITS FOR PCD
At our law firm we are experts in helping you win your benefits for PCD. However, we must prove your medical condition meets SSA’s rules. We do that by getting your medical records. Your records show the SSA you cannot work because of your PCD symptoms.
In order to obtain medical records, you will need to go to the doctor and get treatment. Without progress notes and medical testing, we will not be able to provie that your PCD meets has the elements under Listing 11.07. Usually your doctor helps you by writing a letter about your PCD. In their letter, they should state you cannot work due to your PCD symptoms.
If you do not have a doctor, then you need to get one. You will never win benefits if you don’t have ongoing medical treatment from a professional. It is your responsibility to find a doctor who will help you. Then, you need to go to the doctor as often as possible. Your visits to the doctor will build the medical evidence you need to win your SSD case. However, that only works if you tell your doctor about your symptoms and the problems you are having.
The other reason you need your treating doctor to provide medical evidence is that the SSA has their own medical experts. Their doctors review your case prior to your hearing. The SSA judge can also call a medical expert to testify at your hearing. Learn about the medical expert at your hearing.
MORE ABOUT OUR LAWYERS AND STAFF
At our SSD law firm, we can help you apply for SSD benefits. In our office, we have trained staff who will help you complete your application. Usually, we help you file your application on Social Security’s website. You can learn about our lawyers and staff on our About Us page.
If you receive a denial, then we can help you appeal it. Likewise, if your case goes to hearing, then we represent you at your hearing before an SSA judge.
One of the things we do is help you testify at your hearing. We meet with your before the hearing. At the meeting, we talk about what questions you need to answer. Also, we talk about how to answer those questions. Find out what questions the judge will ask at the hearing.
WE PRACTICE SOCIAL SECURITY LAW EXCLUSIVELY
There are many law firms that claim they practice Social Security law. However, most of those firms do other types of cases. For example, some firms practice personal injury or Worker’s Compensation law. We don’t do that. Our goal is to focus only on winning your SSD benefits.
Therefore, our firm only takes SSDI and SSI cases. We don’t practice any other kind of law. Our firm believes it is important to focus on Social Security cases. By doing so, we have become experts in Social Security benefits. That is why we can help you win benefits for PCD.
It is hard to trust your future to a lawyer. We understand. That is why we include information about our attorneys on our website. Dianna Cannon has been helping people win benefits for the past 30 years. She has written a book about Social Security law for other lawyers. Brett Bunkall and Andria Summers have over 30 years of legal experience. They work hard for our clients every day. Hire us to win your SSD benefits for your PCD today.
