What you have to prove
Meet listing via: (1) anaplastic (undifferentiated) carcinoma, OR (2) carcinoma with metastases beyond the regional lymph nodes progressive despite radioactive iodine therapy, OR (3) medullary carcinoma with metastases beyond the regional lymph nodes.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Pathology, thyroglobulin or calcitonin levels, imaging (ultrasound, CT, PET), and treatment records.
Common misconceptions
Well-differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary, follicular) treated with thyroidectomy + RAI have excellent prognosis and often don't qualify. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a Compassionate Allowance.
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.