QOL-09. NAVIGATING DISABILITY INSURANCE FOR PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH LOW-GRADE GLIOMA

Abstract

Abstract Central nervous system tumors and their treatments can cause neurologic, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms that restrict a patient’s ability to work. In the United States, a diagnosis of high-grade glioma (grade 3 or 4) medically qualifies a patient for disability benefits through Social Security. Low-grade gliomas can be similarly debilitating, with at least 50% of patients presenting with one or more cognitive deficits and 80% of patients with tumor-related epilepsy. In light of these serious symptoms, it is unsurprising at least half of patients with low-grade glioma do not return to work within one year of diagnosis. Yet a diagnosis of low-grade glioma does not in and of itself qualify patients for disability benefits; the burden of proof is substantially higher. Thus, patients with low-grade glioma require special attention as they seek disability benefits. Here, we outline the process of medical documentation to support disability benefits, Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). We provide a template to assist providers in facilitating the application process for patients with low-grade glioma seeking disability benefits. The provider’s role is not to simply “declare” a patient disabled, but rather to provide comprehensive documentation regarding the patient’s diagnosis, treatment, response to treatment, symptoms, and functional status in the medical record. As cognitive symptoms and seizures are two key sources of disability in low-grade glioma patients, referrals to neuropsychology and epileptology, among other sub-specialties, are key to improve patient care and bolster documentation of the patient’s symptoms in these domains. Likewise, connecting patients with social workers and disability claims representatives can assist them in navigating the complicated application process. Providers are better able to help their patients navigate the disability application process when they understand how disability evaluations work and what key information evaluators seek.