The Social Security Administration (SSA) has posted a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) in the Federal Register regarding how it evaluates Cancer. The proposal provides changing the name of the current listing for Malignant Neoplastic Diseases to “Cancer”, as well as revising the criteria SSA uses to evaluate cases involving cancer in adults and children.

The proposed name change is intended to make the listing easier to understand.  The proposal also includes adding some new listings, e.g., Malignant Melanoma, Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL); Cervical Cancer that has spread to distant lymph nodes, and Secondary Lymphoma resulting from treatment for Breast Cancer. The changes are proposals and the public may review the proposal and file comments.

If you would like to review the proposed changes to the listing, which also explains how and when to file a comment, please see https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/12/17/2013-30088/revised-medical-criteria-for-evaluating-cancer-malignant-neoplastic-diseases#h-26

Kimberly Slimbaugh
Partner

Email: kslimbaugh@mcvlaw.com

Phone: 315-471-1664

Kimberly Slimbaugh has been practicing law since 1992 and is a current partner at Meggesto, Crossett & Valerino, LLP.  In addition to the New York State Bar, she was admitted to the Massachusetts State Bar in 1992.  She is a member of the National Association of Social Security Representatives and regularly attends its national conferences.

State of New York Commission on Quality Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, Surrogate Decision-Making Committee Panel.