Masses of abnormal cells that occur inside the brain are known as brain tumors. These tumors can be either malignant or benign. The main difference between the two types of tumors is that malignant tumors are cancerous, while benign tumors are not. However, disabilities may result once a benign tumor starts to develop in more critical areas of the brain.
Generally, benign brain tumors are not aggressive. They grow much slower than malignant tumors. They normally do not develop deep inside the brain and do not spread into the surrounding tissue. This gives a benign tumor a much higher success rate of being surgically removed. This does not take away the threat of being serious and even life-threatening, depending on the size and location of the tumor.
In order to qualify for social security benefits due to a benign brain tumor, at least one of the following conditions must be met. You may meet a listing of impairments provided by the Social Security Administration. If you do not meet all of the requirements for the listing, you may be able to equal the listing by suffering from impairments similar in both severity and duration. If you are not able to meet or equal a specific listing but are still unable to complete work activities and required tasks due to your impairment, you still may qualify for social security benefits.
Benign brain tumors have a specific listing under 11.05 in the social security “Blue Book”. This listing requires an evaluation of your impairments under other listings such as strokes or seizures. If you have not suffered either of these due to a benign brain tumor, you may still meet the listing due to mental disorders, problems with speech, or hearing loss. If you are unable to meet the specific requirements of the listing, you may still be eligible for benefits due to an equivalent condition caused by the tumor.
There is a long range of symptoms and impairments that accompany benign brain tumors, which may cause you to be unable to work. Numbness, tingling in the arms and legs, and loss of balance are common physical impairments that may limit your ability to perform work regardless if you are sitting or standing. www.my.clevelandclinic.org provides information concerning treatment options for benign brain tumors throughout the Cleveland, Ohio, and Akron, Ohio areas. Any time medical advice is being sought, it is always beneficial to see more than one expert at several facilities. The more time invested in educating yourself about your options will better prepare you for the steps ahead.
