Brain tumor patient denied SSD

After her son died of a brain tumor at age 23, a woman received the following letter from the Social Security Administration addressed to him: “We’re writing to let you know that we have made a disability hearing decision on your case. Our decision: We find that your condition has improved and you are capable of working,” according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Her son was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor when he was 18. This brain tumor tends to strike young people.

Having no insurance of his own, the young man fought to get Social Security Disability and Medicaid health care.

Through his three year illness, getting and keeping benefits was an all-consuming battle. He was awarded benefits; they were taken away. He got them back; then Social Security claims he was overpaid.

Disability Determination Section is not notified when someone dies, so officials had “no way of knowing” before they sent this latest notice taking away his benefits again.

It’s difficult to imagine that any person three years into a battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor is capable of working. People with such a devastating diagnosis are often battling for their lives, not worrying about whether they can get a job.

If you or someone you know needs help with a disability application, contact the disability lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin.