Mesothelioma and Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits
Asbestos is a natural mineral product. It has been an extremely valuable product in manufacturing because of its resistance to corrosion and heat. In the past, it has been used extensively in products like fire-retardant materials, insulation, cement and some vinyl floor tiles.
The United States government began to regulate the use of asbestos and asbestos products in the middle of the 70s. Today, the use and handling of asbestos is strictly regulated.
The reason for government regulation is that heavy, long-term exposure to asbestos before this regulation has led to serious breathing and lung problems. One such problem is asbestosis.
Another is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos. Malignant cells develop in your mesothelium. This is a protective lining that covers most of your body's internal organs.
Mesothelioma is divided into different types according to which part of your mesothelium is affected. Some of these are:
Pleural malignant mesothelioma This affects the tissue that surrounds your lungs. This is the most common form of the disease.
Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis The lining around you testicles is where this type develops.
Peritoneal mesothelioma This type occurs in the tissue in your abdomen.
Pericardial mesothelioma The tissue surrounding your heart is where the disease develops.
The effects of mesothelioma depend on the part of your mesothelium that is affected. Some of the effects of peritoneal mesothelioma are:
Change in your bowel habits like more constipation or diarrhea
Unexplained weight loss
Abdominal pain
Lumps of tissue in your abdomen
Abdominal swelling.
The effects of pleural mesothelioma include:
Chest pain under your rib cage
Unexplained weight loss
Pleurisy (painful breathing)
Shortness of breath
Dry cough
Painful coughing
Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin of your chest.
The effects of mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis and pericardial mesothelioma are not clear. There is little information on these forms because they are so rare. A mass on your testicle may be the first indication of mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis. Chest pains or problems breathing may be indications of pericardial mesothelioma.
You or a loved one may have mesothelioma. This disorder may be the cause of you or your loved ones disability. It may be the reason why you need financial help.
Have you or your loved one applied for that financial assistance from the Social Security Administration by applying for Social Security disability benefits or disability benefits because of the disability caused by mesothelioma? Were you or your loved one denied?
If you or your loved one plans on appealing the denial by the Social Security Administration, remember this. People who are represented by a disability attorney like the one at Disability Case Review are approved more often than those people who are not represented by a lawyer.