In the warm, long days of summer, many Michigan residents get outside to enjoy the sunshine. They head to the beach, parks and campsites around the state to take full advantage of the weather. During this time outside, many people undergo long periods of sun exposure. Some may suffer nothing more than a sunburn, but others can eventually develop skin cancer.
Like other cancer, skin cancer is a serious illness. It can result in the need for surgeries and other serious medical intervention. Depending on the severity of the cancer, Michigan residents with the disease may end up disabled and unable to work.
If you are suffering from skin cancer, it may be difficult to focus on your financial situation. You may wonder if SSD benefits are available to help cover the loss of income during your medical crisis.
According to the Social Security Administration, many different types of cancers are defined as disabilities in the so-called “bluebook.” In order to receive benefits for these disabilities, the person must meet the medical issues associated with the cancer.
For skin cancer, in particular, you must meet one of two qualifications in order for the SSA to consider you for SSD benefits. One, your cancer must have had deep extradermal structures. This can include issues with your bones, cartilage or muscle. Or, your cancer must have metastasized beyond the regional lymph nodes of the original source.
The SSA will require evidence that you meet these qualifications, and others, before you are approved for SSD benefits. These requirements can be difficult to understand and to meet. Therefore, people may need specific legal advice that is beyond the scope of this blog post. In those cases, an attorney may be able to help the afflicted.