Small Intestine Cancer and SSDI Eligibility

Small intestine cancer is a malignancy that develops in the small bowel. These tumors are classified as carcinoma, sarcoma, or carcinoid based on the cell type. Because your small intestine is essential for nutrient absorption, these growths often cause severe digestive distress and systemic health issues.

The condition often leads to chronic pain, significant weight loss, and fatigue that make maintaining a full-time work schedule difficult. You may experience persistent nausea, bowel obstruction, or complications from surgery and chemotherapy. These physical limitations often prevent you from standing, lifting, or concentrating on tasks for an eight-hour workday.

Under Listing 13.17, the Social Security Administration evaluates small intestine cancer based on its severity and spread. SSA looks for evidence that your cancer is inoperable, meaning it cannot be surgically removed, or that it is unresectable, meaning it cannot be completely cleared. They also consider cases where your cancer has recurred after treatment or has spread beyond regional lymph nodes.

SSA also grants eligibility for small-cell or oat cell carcinoma of the small intestine due to its aggressive nature. The agency requires medical documentation confirming the diagnosis and the extent of the disease. If your cancer does not meet these specific criteria, SSA will still evaluate how your symptoms and the side effects of your treatment limit your ability to perform basic work activities.

To strengthen your claim, you need clear medical evidence that specifies the type, site, and extent of your cancer. This includes operative reports from any surgeries, pathology reports from biopsies, and imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs that document metastases. If the primary site is unclear, reports documenting the location of metastatic lesions are essential for your file.

Non-medical evidence is also vital for your claim. Detailed statements from your treating physicians regarding your response to chemotherapy or radiation help illustrate your functional limitations. Additionally, a work history report or a function report from a family member can provide context on how your symptoms, such as persistent weakness or digestive issues, impact your daily life. An attorney can help you gather this evidence to support your claim.

A disability attorney helps you navigate the complex requirements of Listing 13.17 by ensuring your medical records are complete and clearly linked to SSA criteria. They work with your doctors to obtain specific statements about your functional limitations and the side effects of your cancer treatments. By preparing your case for potential hearings, an attorney ensures that the full impact of your condition is presented to the Social Security Administration.