Lung Cancer and Social Security Disability Benefits
A lung cancer diagnosis affects every breath of daily life. If your cancer or its treatment has made working impossible, Carmichael Law Group fights to secure the SSDI and SSI benefits you and your family need.
How the SSA Evaluates Lung Cancer
The SSA evaluates lung cancer under Blue Book Listing 13.14 (Lungs), and it draws an important distinction between the two main types.
- Small cell (oat cell) carcinoma — because of its aggressive, fast-spreading nature, small cell lung cancer meets the listing on diagnosis. It is also included in the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program for expedited approval.
- Non-small cell carcinoma — meets the listing when it is inoperable, unresectable, recurrent, or has spread to or beyond the hilar lymph nodes.
- Carcinoma of the superior sulcus (including Pancoast tumors) treated with multimodal therapy is considered disabling for at least 18 months from diagnosis.
Proving Disability for Early-Stage Lung Cancer
Even when lung cancer is caught at an earlier stage, surgery and aggressive treatment frequently leave patients unable to work. When your diagnosis does not meet the listing outright, we build a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) case documenting how your condition and treatment limit you:
- Severe shortness of breath and reduced lung capacity following lobectomy or pneumonectomy, limiting exertion, walking, and sustained activity.
- Chronic fatigue and weakness from chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy.
- Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and “chemo brain” that impair dexterity, concentration, and reliability at work.
- Heightened infection risk from a compromised immune system, making many work environments unsafe.
Nationwide Representation With No Upfront Cost
Carmichael Law Group coordinates with your pulmonology and oncology teams to gather the pathology reports, imaging, pulmonary function tests, and treatment records the SSA requires. We represent clients in Alabama, Georgia, and nationwide on a strict contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we win — with full bilingual support in English and Spanish.
Whether you’re applying for benefits or appealing a denial, Carmichael Law Group is here to help. Contact us today or call (888) 687-6022.
This is what sets our team apart
Here's What Sets Our Team Apart
Carmichael Law Group guides you every step of the way, from applications to appeals, with clear communication and strategic advocacy.
-
Compassionate Advocates
We treat every client with respect, empathy, and personalized attention, guiding you through the SSD process with care.
-
Proven Track Record
With years of experience and thousands of successful cases, we provide skilled representation at every stage of your claim.
-
Honest GuidanceWe prioritize clear communication, ethical advocacy, and transparency, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
-
Focused on Results
We fight tirelessly to secure the benefits you deserve, using strategic legal expertise to achieve the best possible outcome.
