Conditions That Qualify for Disability

Brain and nervous system cancer refers to malignant tumors that originate in or spread to the brain, spinal cord, or other parts of the nervous system. SSA evaluates these cancers under Blue Book Listing 13.13, which covers primary cancers of the nervous system. When reviewing your claim, SSA follows specific guidance outlined in section 13.00K6 of the Blue Book to determine whether your condition meets the criteria for disability benefits.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, though it can affect anyone. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates breast cancer disability claims under Blue Book Listing 13.10, which covers breast cancer (excluding sarcomas, which are evaluated separately under Listing 13.04). SSA reviews the medical severity of your diagnosis, treatment history, and how the condition affects your ability to work. The specific evaluation criteria are guided by SSA's general cancer evaluation rules outlined in Section 13.00K4.

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.

Kidney cancer refers to carcinoma of the kidneys, adrenal glands, or ureters. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates kidney cancer claims under Blue Book Listing 13.21, which covers cancers affecting these specific structures of the urinary and endocrine system. SSA reviews your medical records to determine whether your diagnosis meets the criteria outlined in this listing. Meeting the listing does not guarantee approval, but providing thorough, well-documented medical evidence is essential to supporting your claim.

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates leukemia claims under Blue Book Listing 13.06. SSA's evaluation of leukemia takes into account the specific guidance outlined in its cancer listings, referenced under section 13.00K2. Because leukemia can vary widely in type and progression, SSA reviews your medical records carefully to determine whether your condition meets the listing requirements.

Liver and gallbladder cancer refers to cancers originating in the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts. SSA evaluates disability claims for this condition under Blue Book Listing 13.19, which covers primary cancers of these organs. Because this listing is specifically designed for these cancer types, SSA reviews your medical records to confirm a diagnosis of cancer of the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts and assesses how the condition and its treatment affect your ability to work.

Lung cancer is a condition in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the lungs. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates lung cancer claims under Listing 13.14 of the Blue Book, which falls under the category of cancers affecting the lungs. SSA reviews your medical records and treatment history to determine whether your condition meets the severity required for disability benefits. The evaluation focuses on the nature and extent of your lung cancer as documented by your treating physicians and diagnostic tests.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, the spleen, and other tissues that help your body fight infection. SSA evaluates lymphoma disability claims under Blue Book Listing 13.05, which covers most types of lymphoma — including mycosis fungoides, a rare form that affects the skin — but excludes T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, which is evaluated separately under Listing 13.06. SSA reviews the specific type, severity, and treatment history of your lymphoma to determine whether your condition meets the listing criteria.

Melanoma is a serious form of cancer that can develop in the skin, eyes (ocular), or mucous membranes (mucosal). SSA evaluates melanoma disability claims under Blue Book Listing 13.29, which covers malignant melanoma across all three of these sites. To qualify for disability benefits, your medical records must show that your melanoma meets one of three specific sets of criteria outlined in the listing. The severity and extent of your diagnosis, as documented by your treating physicians, are central to SSA's evaluation.

Pancreatic cancer is a serious illness in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the pancreas. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates pancreatic cancer under Blue Book Listing 13.20, which covers cancers of the pancreas. Because pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and can significantly limit a person's ability to work, SSA has a dedicated listing for it. Your medical records documenting the diagnosis, extent of the disease, and treatment history are central to how SSA reviews your claim.

Prostate cancer is a condition in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the prostate gland. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates prostate cancer disability claims under Blue Book Listing 13.24, which covers carcinoma of the prostate gland. SSA reviews your medical records to determine whether your condition meets the listing criteria. Because every case is different, the strength of your documentation plays a major role in how SSA assesses your claim.