Woman Denied Social Security Benefits After Receiving Breast Cancer Diagnosis

February 1, 2013

A Portland, Oregon, woman is reportedly struggling to make ends meet after being diagnosed with breast cancer and having her claim for Social Security Disability benefits denied.

The woman’s story, released by KATU News, began in October 2010 after a lump was found in her breast. She underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy to destroy the cancerous cells that were lingering in her body, but would later have to undergo two more emergency surgeries as well. The treatments left the woman with limited mobility in her arms that she says has affected her ability to go back to work, despite her cancer being considered in remission.

Throughout the three years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has repeatedly denied her application for Social Security Disability benefits on the grounds that her condition does not impede her ability to work. The woman is now faced with potentially losing her residence and being homeless since she is unable to work and pay her bills.

She has started a petition asking local lawmakers to work to change disability policies to allow those suffering from certain cancers to receive benefits in a timelier manner. Her move comes on the heels of the Social Security Administration adopting dozens of conditions under the Compassionate Allowances program that offers a fast-track approval for those afflicted with a seriously debilitating condition.

The SSDI Attorneys with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin applaud the woman’s efforts and hope she is successful in implementing the policy change.