Chicago Brain Tumor Attorneys
Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyers
A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in the brain. Brain tumors can be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are those that grow in an aggressive manner, invade surrounding tissues and metastasize. Benign tumors are non-cancerous, slow growing tumors that rarely spread. Most benign brain tumors can be removed and typically do not recur after removal. Benign brain tumors can still be life threatening if they compress brain tissue and other structures inside the skull.
Symptoms and Treatment of Brain Tumors
Some symptoms of a brain tumor may include:
• Headaches
• Seizures
• Mental abnormalities
• Behavioral changes
• Double vision
• Hearing problems
• Speech problems
• Compression of the brain tissue
Treatment of brain tumors varies widely depending on the location of the tumor, whether the brain tumor is benign or malignant, and other factors. Treatment can include surgical removal of the brain tumor, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Some treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can result in serious and debilitating side effects that may prevent a patient from working. In these cases, the patient may be entitled to social security disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Insurance Income (SSI).
Social Security Disability Requirements
To determine whether you are eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses its five-step sequential evaluation process, which includes an assessment of:
- Whether you are engaged in “substantial gainful activity;”
- Whether the brain tumor qualifies as a “severe” impairment;
- Whether the brain tumor meets or “equals” one of the medical conditions included in the SSA’s “Listing of Impairments,” and satisfies a duration requirement;
- Whether you are capable of performing “past relevant work;” and
- Whether you can make an adjustment to other employment given your age, residual functional capacity, education and work experience.
Whether you apply for SSDI or SSI benefits, the claim process can be confusing and daunting. The skilled Chicago, Illinois social security disability attorneys at Ankin Law can help you through the entire claim process – from filing the application to preparing for and attending the hearing. If you suffer from a brain tumor and are unable to work as a result of your condition, contact us at (872) 529-9377 to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Chicago social security disability attorneys.
