What you have to prove
Meet listing via: (1) carcinoma or sarcoma of the esophagus; OR (2) carcinoma or sarcoma of the stomach inoperable, unresectable, extending to surrounding structures, or recurrent.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Pathology, endoscopy reports, CT/PET imaging, and treatment records.
Common misconceptions
Esophageal cancer meets the listing essentially at diagnosis due to poor prognosis. Early gastric cancers resected with curative intent may not qualify.
Didn't meet the listing? You can still qualify via a Medical-Vocational
Allowance — SSA's determination that your residual functional capacity, combined with
your age, education, and work history, leaves no jobs you can do. See our
appeals guide for what to do after an initial denial.