Cancer of the pancreas is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the pancreas.  Symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss,  back pain,  jaundice, general weakness,  and loss of appetite.  It can be cured only if found in the very early stages before it has spread.  Diagnosis is made by various […]

There are many types of hernias. A very common type is an inguinal hernia which occurs when tissue pushes through a weak area in the groin muscle. This results in a bulge in the groin or scrotum which may be associated with pain. Hernias occur more commonly in men.  The hernia may be more noticeable with […]

Individuals who are denied Social Security disability benefits can now appeal their cases to an administrative law judge(ALJ) by requesting the use of video called the VSD(video service delivery). This allows the hearing between the applicant and judge be conducted in different offices, even across the country. Formerly, the applicant and judge had to be […]

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS) is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease. It attacks the nerve cells of the body which control muscles.  At some point, all muscles are affected and those with the disease lose their ability to move their arms and legs as well as capacity to breathe, speak  and swallow. There is at present no […]

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of cancer of the skin.  It is most often caused by prolonged exposure to the sun.  Interestingly, melanomas may also affect the eye.  Most of these cancers are black or brown, but  at times may be of different colors. There are cases, however, where melanomas have developed in areas […]

About 12,000 new cases of cancer of the larynx are diagnosed each year. The cancer arises  from the covering of the vocal cords. The use of tobacco products and alcohol can increase the risk of cancer. Symptoms may consist of a persistent hoarseness or change in the voice,  trouble or pain when swallowing,  a cough […]

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in the United States with cigarettes being the main factor. Treatment may consist of a combination of surgery, chemotherapy or  x-ray radiation.  There are three main types of lung cancer: 1. the most common type is called non-small cell cancer. The names associated with this cancer […]

Small cell lung cancer, also called oat cell cancer,  is one of those conditions which will allow disability benefits. It comes under the heading of Compassionate Allowances.  It is considered  a very aggresive form of cancer and spreads more quickly than other forms of cancer of the lung. It has a very poor prognosis. It […]

A transient ischemic attack(TIA) is sometimes called a mini stroke or a warning stroke. It is due to a clot in one of the blood vessels suppying blood to the brain. The difference between a TIA and a stroke is that in the case of a TIA the blockage is temporary and usually  lasts a […]

When applying for Social Security disability due to gastrointestinal problems specific criteria must be met in order to receive benefits. Weight loss must be shown related to many conditions including stricture(narrowing) of the esophagus, bowel obstruction requiring surgery, inflammatory diseases of the bowel such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and pancreatic disease. All of […]