SSD BENEFITS FOR SOFT TISSUE CANCER OF THE HEAD & NECK

WHAT IS SOFT TISSUE CANCER OF THE HEAD AND NECK?

Soft tissue cancer of the head and neck refers to cancers that develop in the soft tissues of this region. For example, these cancers can occur in the muscles, connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves in the head and neck area. The definition excludes cancers that arise from the bones or glands. Soft tissue cancers are relatively rare compared to other types of head and neck cancers, such as those that occur in the oral cavity, throat, or thyroid gland.

Examples of soft tissue cancers of the head and neck include sarcomas. Sarcomas are cancers that develop in the connective tissues such as muscles or fat. Other types of soft tissue cancers can include malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and angiosarcomas.

Soft tissue cancers of the head and neck are rare compared to other types of cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, head and neck cancers account for about 4% of all cancers in the United States. However, within this category, soft tissue cancers of the head and neck represent a smaller subset. For example, sarcomas, which are a common type of soft tissue cancer, account for only about 1% of all adult cancers.

YOU CAN APPLY FOR TWO TYPES OF SSD BENEFITS 

Qualifying for SSD benefits means you have a severe medical condition, like cancer, that prevents you from working at all jobs. The symptoms of soft tissue cancer of the head and neck must prevent you from working for more than 12 months. The SSA uses a five step review process to determine if they can pay you benefits. Below, you can find an explanation as to each type of benefit for which you can apply:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):  

SSDI benefits are for those who can no longer work due to a severe medical condition. The amount of money you receive from SSDI benefits is based on the taxes you paid during your working years. To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough “work credits” to qualify.

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 will need depends on how old you are when you apply. If you haven’t earned enough work credits at the time you apply, then you will only be able to file for SSI benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):  

SSI is a needs based benefit. It is for only those 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 and assets of those who live with you, such as a spouse.

If you have a spouse who earns more than $4000 a month, then that income will prevent you from getting SSI benefits. The same rule applies if you are living with a boyfriend and he is paying your bills. Also, the same rule applies if you are living with your common law wife and she is paying your bills. You cannot get SSI benefits, no matter how severe your medical condition, if you do not meet the income and asset rules for SSI.

SYMPTOMS OF SOFT TISSUE CANCER OF THE HEAD AND NECK

Soft tissue cancer of the head and neck affects not only your health. It also affects your ability to work and maintain daily activities. Recognizing the symptoms of this type of cancer is crucial for early detection and timely treatment.

1. Swelling or Lump in the Head or Neck: One of the most common symptoms of soft tissue cancer is a lump or swelling in the head or neck area. This lump can develop in the muscles, connective tissues, or other soft tissues of the head and neck. It may or may not be painful.
2. Pain: Persistent pain in the affected area can indicate soft tissue cancer. The pain may be localized or radiate to nearby areas.
3. Difficulty Breathing: Soft tissue tumors in the head and neck region can grow large enough to obstruct the airway or interfere with swallowing. This can lead to problems breathing or swallowing food and liquids.
4. Changes in Voice: Cancerous growths in the throat or vocal cords can cause changes in voice quality. For example, they can cause hoarseness or a persistent sore throat.
5. Unexplained Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss can occur as a result of the cancer.
6. Neurological Symptoms: In some cases, soft tissue cancers of the head and neck can affect nearby nerves. If so, this leads to symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or tingling in the face or neck area.

TREATMENT FOR SOFT TISSUE CANCER OF THE HEAD AND NECK

The treatment for soft tissue cancer of the head and neck depends on several factors. First, the treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Second, it depends on your overall health and the choices you make with your doctor. Here are some common treatment options:

1. Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor is often the main treatment for soft tissue cancer of the head and neck. The goal is to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. Also, they will try to preserve nearby structures, such as nerves, blood vessels, and organs.
2. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery. Or, your doctor can use it as a primary treatment for soft tissue cancer that cannot be removed. Radiation destroys cancer cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
3. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy drugs are given orally or intravenously to kill cancer cells throughout your body.
4. Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs target certain molecules involved in cancer growth. These drugs may be used in combination with other treatments. Or, as therapy for certain types of soft tissue cancer that have genetic mutations or biomarkers.
5. Clinical Trials: Participation in clinical trials may offer access to new treatments. Clinical trials help advance medical knowledge and may provide new treatment options.

LISTING 13.02 FOR SOFT TISSUE CANCER OF THE HEAD AND NECK

In order to be paid SSD benefits, the SSA will determine if meet a listing. The SSA has a list of severe medical conditions which qualify for benefits. The SSA calls this list the Blue Book. In order to meet the listing, you must prove every element on the list. Below, you will find the listing for soft tissue cancer of the head and neck:

13.02 Soft tissue cancer of the head and neck (except salivary glands and the thyroid gland).

A. Inoperable or unresectable.

OR

B. Persistent or recurrent disease following initial anticancer therapy, except persistence or recurrence in the true vocal cord.

OR

C. With metastases beyond the regional lymph nodes.

OR

D. Small cell (oat cell) carcinoma.

OR

E. Soft tissue cancers originating in the head and neck treated with multimodal anticancer therapy. Consider under a disability until at least 18 months from the date of diagnosis. Thereafter, evaluate any residual impairments under the criteria for the affected body system.

HIRE US TO WIN SSD BENEFITS FOR SOFT TISSUE CANCER OF THE HEAD AND NECK

When you hire our law firm to win your SSD benefits, we will do everything we can to obtain the following important information. It is your burden to prove that you should be paid benefits. Therefore, when you hire an attorney, these are the things they will do for you:

• Obtain a Diagnosis: The first step is to obtain a formal diagnosis of soft tissue cancer from your doctor. This diagnosis should include your medical records, imaging studies, and biopsy results.
• Review SSA’s Blue Book Listing: Carefully review the specific criteria in Listing 13.02. This listing includes requirements related to the type, location, and extent of soft tissue cancer of the head and neck.
• Submit Medical Evidence: Compile medical evidence that documents your diagnosis. Your record should also include your treatment history and the symptoms caused by your soft tissue cancer. What you submit should include progress notes from your doctor. It should also include imaging studies (such as MRI or CT scans), biopsy results, and treatment records.
• Document Your Symptoms: Describe your symptoms in detail. Discuss your limits due to soft tissue cancer. This may include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. Also, include any other problems that affect your daily activities and ability to work.
• Submit Medical Records: Submit all medical records, test results, and other evidence along with your application to the SSA. Ensure that the information aligns with the rules in Listing 13.02.
• Statements from Treating Providers: Obtain written statements from your doctor and other medical experts about your soft tissue cancer. The doctor can write about the treatments you have had and your physical limits. These statements will help you prove your cancer meets Listing 13.02.

HOW OUR LAW FIRM WINS YOUR SSD BENEFITS 

Don’t try to win SSD benefits for soft tissue cancer of the neck or head by yourself. We can help file your SSD application. Also, we can help you appeal every SSA denial. For example, our attorneys and staff can:

• Send you the paperwork and forms you need to become our client
• Help you file your application for SSD and SSI benefits
• Inform the SSA that they should pay your benefits under the Compassionate Allowance Rules
• Request an appeal if you receive a denial from DDS
• Help you confirm your SSA doctor exam
• Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• Prepare you to testify at your ALJ hearing
• Represent you at your SSD hearing and question the expert witnesses
• Read more about job expert testimony
• Learn more 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. Try not to take that long to finish 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 need help to file your application, then we will help you.

IS IT WORTH THE ATTORNEY FEE TO HIRE AN SSD LAWYER?

It isn’t easy to get Social Security benefits and the application process can be frustrating for most people. But, having an attorney throughout the appeal process can make it easier. When you hire a law firm with experience handling your case, then the SSA follows their own procedures. You want the SSA to follow their rules if you have soft tissue cancer of the head or neck.

Additionally, when you have an attorney with legal experience, they will have access to SSA’s decisions during the review process. Your attorney can submit medical evidence that may be missing from your case.

There is evidence that hiring an attorney increases your chance of winning your SSD benefits by 30%. It is also smart to hire an attorney to help you at your hearing. After all, you are the star witness at your hearing. If you hire an attorney with experience, then they can prepare you to testify before the judge. Learn more about how to prepare for your SSD hearing.

HOW WILL YOU PAY THE ATTORNEY FEE?

We will use our legal skills to help you through the Social Security appeal process. It is our goal to win your case. But, it also our goal to make the appeal process easier for you.

We offer a free review of your case. If you call, then there is no pressure to become our client. Even if we don’t accept your case, we will still try to help you.

It also doesn’t cost you any upfront money to hire us. Why? Because you only pay us an attorney fee if we win your case. If we win, then the SSA pays us out of your back benefits. Learn more about past due benefits. If you do not win, then you do not pay an attorney fee.

How much is the attorney fee if you win? The attorney fee is whatever is less between 25% of your back benefit and the fee cap. This is best understood through an example. If your back benefit is $10,000, then your attorney fee would be $2500.

However, if your back benefit is $100,000, you would not pay 25% or $25,000 in attorney fees. Instead, you would pay the amount of the fee cap, which is $7200. Therefore, if you win your case, then your fee is capped at the $7200 amount.

Regardless, you pay whatever is less between 25% of your back benefit and the fee cap. Additionally, you only owe an attorney fee if we win your case. Find out more about what it will cost to hire an SSD law firm.

OUR LAWYERS OUR EXPERTS IN SOCIAL SECURITY LAW

At Cannon Disability Law we can help you apply for SSD benefits for soft tissue cancer of the head or neck. Also, we can help you appeal an SSA denial. Additionally, we will represent you in court at your Social Security hearing. If you have soft tissue cancer, then we can help you testify in court. Our goal is to prove to the judge that you deserve SSD benefits.

If necessary, we can appeal your case to the Appeals Council. Likewise, we file appeals in Federal Court. Finally, we can represent you no matter where you live. For example, we can represent you if need the top SSDI attorney in Utah or Nevada. Additionally, we can help you if you live in Idaho, Colorado, or California.

Learn information on Idaho SSD benefits. Likewise, we have information on how to file for SSD benefits in California. If you need help filing for SSD benefits in Colorado, then we have information to help you.

Your ability to receive Medicaid benefits and Medicare benefits depends on winning your SSD claim. In order to fight the SSA, you need an attorney and legal staff with experience. Hire us.

Dianna Cannon has been helping people win their benefits for over thirty years. Brett Bunkall and Andria Summers also have decades of legal experience. Together, we have won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI hearings. You can trust us. We will do everything we can to win your SSD and SSI benefits for soft tissue cancer. Give us a call. Put our experience to work for you.