Are victims of mesothelioma entitled to social security disability benefits?
Individuals with impairments caused by certain exposures to asbestos may qualify for disability claims under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. Sections 216(i) and 1614(a)(3) of the Social Security Act define “disability” as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment (or combination of impairments) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.
Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura meets the requirements under section 13.15A. Bronchogenic carcinoma meets listing 13.14A if it is inoperable, unresectable, recurrent, or has metastasized to or beyond the hilar nodes. As a result, either of these diagnoses may qualify a victim of asbestos-related cancer for disability benefits.
Additional Mesothelioma FAQs
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Q:
What is mesothelioma and how do you get it?
A: The National Cancer Institute states that: "Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac … More -
Q:
What should I do if I've been exposed to asbestos? What if I don't feel sick?
A: If you've been exposed to asbestos it is important to tell your doctor ! Even if you don’t feel sick, the fact is that people usually don’t show … More -
Q:
Who can file an asbestos-related lawsuit?
A: Although the EPA has made regulations to promote protection from asbestos, and organizations such as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) … More -
Q:
What exactly is asbestos?
A: Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. It is a … More -
Q:
Is asbestos hazardous to your health?
A: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the EPA have determined that asbestos is in fact a human carcinogen, and that breathing high levels of … More -
Q:
What happens when someone inhales asbestos fibers?
A: Asbestos fibers are harmful to humans if inhaled. When a person breathes in the small fibers, they remain in the lungs and cause scar tissue to form on the walls of … More -
Q:
Does asbestos exposure cause cancer?
A: There are several asbestos-related diseases that can result from inhaling asbestos fibers, including: •Asbestosis (pulmonary fibrosis); •Mesothelioma; … More -
Q:
How much exposure does it take to get the disease?
A: An exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later. More -
Q:
Where is asbestos found?
A: In the United States, asbestos has been used in a variety of industries and products. Some examples of products that contain asbestos include: •Building … More -
Q:
Who is at risk for mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases?
A: Most people with malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Others have been exposed to asbestos in a … More
Environmental Exposure Sub-categories
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Asbestos
Diacetyl | Gulf Oil Spill |
