Disability Medical Condition: Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal Cancer occurs when a tumor forms in the esophagus, which passes food from the pharynx to the stomach. The National Cancer Institute states that in 2009, there were 16,470 new cases of esophageal cancer and 13,530 deaths; it is listed as the eighth most common form of cancer in the United States. The American Cancer Society says the cancer is diagnosed three to five more often in men. Most patients are older than age 65. The cancer is diagnosed equally among African Americans and Caucasians. The five-year survival rate is 11 percent for Caucasians and 18 percent for African Americans, the society has found.
The disease is listed as one of the medical conditions in the Compassionate Allowances Program. The program expedites the application process so that individuals with severe medical conditions can apply for disability benefits quickly.
Under the Compassionate Allowances program, those suffering from certain medical conditions and impairments will have their application processed quickly through the “fast track” program which helps administrators rapidly identify and process medical conditions on the program’s list of medical impairments.