What to Know About VA and SSDI Benefits for Cancer

, Veterans Benefits

A cancer diagnosis impacts every aspect of your life, from your health to your work abilities and financial security. For veterans, there may be two critical sources of support: VA disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments through the Social Security Administration (SSA).

VA Disability Benefits for Cancer

The VA recognizes that cancer is a severe and potentially life-altering condition. Because of this, veterans diagnosed with cancer may qualify for disability compensation. Cancer is rated under different diagnostic codes depending on its type and location. However, there are general rules that apply in most VA cases:

100% Disability Rating: Veterans undergoing active cancer treatment typically receive a 100% VA rating.
Six-Month Continuation: This 100% rating remains in effect for six months after treatment ends.
Post-Treatment Reevaluation: After six months, the VA conducts a medical exam to assess ongoing effects such as:
- Chronic pain
- Organ damage
- Disfigurement
- Functional limitations

VA Disability Rating for Cancer in Remission

Veterans who are in remission may still qualify for benefits if their cancer or treatment left them with residual disabilities. This can include:

Chronic pain
Scarring
Movement limitations
Heart problems
Hypertension
Lung problems after lung cancer
Menopause
Urinary incontinence from prostate cancer

Residual disabilities could be brought on by the treatment itself or triggered by emotional distress from the therapy.

Types of Cancer That Qualify for VA Disability Benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes any cancer as potentially disabling. Still, some types make it easier to qualify for benefits, especially if they are considered presumptive conditions tied to military exposures (like Agent Orange, burn pits, or radiation).

Presumptive Cancers (VA)

These types of cancers often qualify automatically if you meet service criteria:

Lung cancer
Prostate cancer
Breast cancer
Bladder cancer
Kidney cancer
Liver cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Multiple myeloma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Leukemia (including chronic B-cell leukemias)
Soft tissue sarcomas

Other Service-Connected Cancers

You may still qualify if you can prove a service connection for the following types of cancer:

Brain cancer
Colorectal cancer
Ovarian cancer
Cervical cancer
Esophageal cancer
Skin cancer (including melanoma)
Thyroid cancer

For VA claims, the key is proving service connection, unless it falls under a presumptive category.

How to Prove a VA Cancer Claim

A successful VA claim depends on strong, well-documented evidence. Here are the key steps:

Obtain a medical diagnosis. You must have a formal diagnosis from a qualified medical provider. This should include details of the:
1. Type of cancer
2. Stage
3. Treatment plan
Establish service connection. You must show that your cancer is linked to your military service, including whether there’s a:
1. Direct Service Connection: Evidence that your cancer began during or was caused by service.
2. Secondary Service Connection: Your cancer developed as a result of another service-connected condition (often requiring a medical nexus letter).
Submit lay or witness statements. Statements from family, friends, or fellow service members can help illustrate how your condition affects your daily life.
Document daily impact. Keep records showing how cancer limits your ability to work, perform daily tasks, or maintain your quality of life.
Prepare for the C&P Exam. The Compensation & Pension exam is a critical part of your claim. Be ready to discuss:
1. Symptoms
2. Treatments
3. Functional limitations

Reviewing the VA’s Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) for the type of cancer you have can help you understand what to expect during the exam.

Presumptive Service Connection for Cancer

In some cases, the VA makes it easier to qualify by presuming your cancer is service-related.

Agent Orange Exposure

Veterans exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange may qualify for presumptive service connection for cancers such as:

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Soft tissue sarcoma
Chronic B-cell leukemias

Radiation Exposure

Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation may qualify for presumptive service connection for conditions like:

Leukemia
Thyroid cancer
Multiple myeloma

What is The PACT Act?

The PACT Act expanded benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, adding more cancers to the presumptive list and making it easier to prove eligibility.

SSDI Benefits for Cancer

In addition to VA benefits, veterans may also qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The SSA considers cancer under its Compassionate Allowances program in many cases, which can speed up approval for severe diagnoses.

To qualify, you must show:

Your condition prevents you from working
Your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death

Types of Cancer that Qualify for SSDI Benefits

The SSA recognizes numerous types of cancer as a qualifying condition for SSDI, considering factors such as:

Origin of cancer
How far it has spread
How long and how often treatment is needed, and how the cancer responds to it
Any lasting effects after treatment ends

The cancers included on the list of impairments include the following:

Soft tissue cancers of the head and neck
Skin
Soft tissue sarcoma
Lymphoma
Leukemia
Multiple myeloma
Salivary glands
Thyroid gland
Breast
Skeletal system — sarcoma
Maxilla, orbit, or temporal fossa
Nervous system
Lungs
Pleura or mediastinum
Esophagus or stomach
Small intestine
Large intestine
Liver or gallbladder
Pancreas
Kidneys, adrenalglands, or ureters — carcinoma
Urinary bladder — carcinoma
Cancers of the female genital tract — carcinoma or sarcoma
Prostate gland — carcinoma
Testicles
Penis
Primary site unknown
Cancer treated by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation
Malignant melanoma

The SSA includes many cancers in its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program, which allows for fast-tracked approval for disability applicants with extremely severe and life-threatening conditions. For a full up to date list of the SSA’s CAL conditions, visit the SSA website.

How to Apply for SSDI Benefits with a Cancer Diagnosis

Applying for SSDI can feel overwhelming, especially while undergoing treatment, but understanding the process can make it more manageable.

Start Your Application

You can apply for SSDI through the Social Security Administration:

Online at ssa.gov
By phone
In person at a local SSA office. You can find an SSA office near you by utilizing the SSA’s Field Office Locator tool.

Starting as soon as possible is important because benefits are not immediate and may include waiting periods.

Gather Medical Evidence

Strong medical documentation is essential. Be prepared to provide:

Pathology reports confirming your diagnosis
Imaging results (CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans)
Treatment records (chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries)
Physician statements outlining your limitations

If your cancer qualifies under Compassionate Allowances, complete and clear records can significantly speed up approval.

Document Your Work History

SSDI is based on your work credits and employment history. You’ll need to provide:

Recent job details
Job duties and physical demands
Dates of employment

This helps the SSA determine whether you can continue working or adjust to other types of work.

Explain How Cancer Limits Your Ability to Work

Clearly describe how your condition affects your ability to maintain employment. This may include:

Fatigue and weakness
Side effects from treatment
Cognitive difficulties (“chemo brain”)
Frequent medical appointments

The more specific you are, the stronger your claim will be.

Respond Promptly to SSA Requests

The SSA may request additional information or schedule a consultative exam. Responding quickly helps avoid delays or denials.

Be Prepared to Appeal if Necessary

Many initial SSDI applications are denied, even for serious conditions. If that happens, you have the right to appeal. Having legal guidance during this stage can be especially valuable.

Our VA and SSDI Attorneys Are Here to Help

If you or a loved one is navigating a cancer diagnosis and struggling to access benefits, Kerr, Robichaux & Carroll is here to help. Our team knows the ins and outs of the VA and SSDI systems and can guide you every step of the way so you can focus on your recovery.