What you have to prove
Meet listing via: (A) glioblastoma multiforme, ependymoblastoma, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, OR medulloblastoma or other primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) with documented metastatic spread; OR (B) any primary CNS cancer progressive or recurrent after initial anti-cancer therapy.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Pathology (often from biopsy), MRI, treatment records, and neuro-oncology notes.
Common misconceptions
Glioblastoma is a Compassionate Allowance — approval usually within weeks. Slower-growing gliomas (oligodendroglioma, low-grade astrocytoma) 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.