Does Colon and Rectal Cancer Qualify for Disability?
Colon and rectal cancer (also called colorectal cancer) refers to cancers that develop in the large intestine, which includes everything from the ileocecal valve down to and including the anal canal. The Social Security Administration evaluates these cancers under Blue Book Listing 13.18. SSA reviews your medical records to determine whether your condition meets the specific criteria outlined in that listing, considering factors such as the nature, extent, and progression of the cancer.
What SSA Considers
Under Blue Book Listing 13.18, SSA evaluates cancers of the large intestine, covering the entire region from the ileocecal valve to and including the anal canal. This listing applies to primary cancers originating anywhere along that portion of the digestive tract, including colon cancer, rectal cancer, and anal canal cancer. Your medical records must document that the cancer is located within this anatomical range as defined by the listing.
What You Could Receive
National payment amounts across all disability programs — not specific to any condition. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,821/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement.
What If Your Condition Doesn't Match Exactly?
Many people qualify through a medical-vocational allowance, even when their condition doesn't exactly match a Blue Book listing. SSA considers your age, work history, symptoms, and functional limits together. Strong medical documentation is the key. Learn more about qualifying without an exact match →
Ready to Start Your Claim?
If you have Colon and Rectal Cancer, the right medical documentation can make the difference. Get a free personalized Approval Guide with a documentation checklist and next-step guidance for your claim.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You'll Need to File
- Pathology or biopsy report confirming the diagnosis and identifying the cancer's location within the large intestine (ileocecal valve to anal canal)
- Operative or surgical reports from any colon or rectal procedures (e.g., colectomy, resection)
- Imaging results such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans showing the location and extent of the cancer
- Oncology treatment records including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy history
- Colonoscopy or endoscopy reports documenting findings
- Records from your treating physician or gastroenterologist describing the progression and current status of your condition
- Hospitalization records related to your colon or rectal cancer diagnosis or treatment
Frequently Asked Questions (5)
Does my colon or rectal cancer always qualify me for disability benefits?
No diagnosis automatically guarantees approval. SSA reviews your specific medical records against the Blue Book Listing 13.18 criteria to make an individual determination about your eligibility.
What part of the digestive tract does Listing 13.18 cover?
Listing 13.18 covers cancers of the large intestine from the ileocecal valve all the way to and including the anal canal. This includes colon cancer, rectal cancer, and anal canal cancer.
What medical records should I submit to support my claim?
You should submit pathology reports, imaging studies (CT, MRI, or PET scans), surgical reports, and detailed notes from your treating oncologist or physician that document your diagnosis and the location of the cancer.
Can I apply for disability while still undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer?
Yes, you can apply for Social Security disability benefits while you are still receiving treatment. SSA will evaluate the medical evidence available at the time of your application.
What if my cancer does not meet Listing 13.18 exactly?
If your condition does not precisely meet the listing, SSA may still evaluate your claim by assessing how your cancer and its treatment affect your ability to work, through a process called a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment.
Blue Book Listing Reference
Primary: 13.18 Large intestine (from ileocecal valve to and including anal canal)
Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
Source version: 2025-09-11
View source on eCFRRelated Conditions
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Filing for Disability with Colon and Rectal Cancer?
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