What you have to prove
Meet listing via: (1) inoperable or unresectable; OR (2) with metastases beyond regional lymph nodes; OR (3) recurrent despite prescribed treatment.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Pathology (adenoid cystic carcinoma, mucoepidermoid, etc.), imaging, and treatment records.
Common misconceptions
Early-stage parotid tumors treated surgically often don't meet the listing. Adenoid cystic carcinoma with distant metastases typically qualifies.
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.