What you have to prove
Meet via: (1) non-small-cell carcinoma inoperable, unresectable, recurrent or with metastases beyond regional lymph nodes, OR (2) small-cell (oat cell) carcinoma, OR (3) superior sulcus carcinoma with multimodal anticancer therapy.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Pathology, staging scans, bronchoscopy reports, and treatment records.
Common misconceptions
Small-cell lung cancer is a Compassionate Allowance — usually approved within weeks. Non-small-cell early-stage cases may not meet the listing initially.
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.