Listing 13.02
Soft tissue cancer of the head and neck (except salivary glands—13.08—and thyroid gland—13.09)
This listing covers cancers of the soft tissues of the head and neck, such as the mouth, throat, and voice box. It does not cover salivary gland or thyroid cancers, which have their own listings.
Read the full plain-language explanation
SSA looks for proof that the cancer cannot be fully removed by surgery, has come back or spread, is an aggressive small cell type, or is being treated with combined treatments (like surgery plus chemotherapy or radiation). You only need to meet ONE of the paths (A, B, C, D, or E).
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What Listing 13.02 asks for
What SSA looks for — see the 5 items
We will check your records against each of these. Every item comes straight from SSA's own listing.
Doctors say surgery cannot remove the cancer, or surgery was tried but could not remove all of it. Meeting this one requirement (A) is enough — you do not need B through E.
(Listing 13.02, criterion A)
- The cancer is still there after the first full course of treatment, or it went away and came back — unless the only place it persists or returns is the true vocal cord.
- Only one path (A–E) is needed.
Read the original wording
The cancer is still there after the first full course of treatment, or it went away and came back — unless the only place it persists or returns is the true vocal cord. Only one path (A–E) is needed.
(Listing 13.02, criterion B)
The cancer has spread past the nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body. Only one path (A–E) is needed.
(Listing 13.02, criterion C)
The cancer is the small cell (also called oat cell) type, which is very aggressive. A pathology report proving this cell type is enough by itself.
(Listing 13.02, criterion D)
- You are being treated with at least two combined types of treatment (for example, surgery plus radiation, or chemotherapy plus radiation) planned together.
- Treatment counts as started once the first part begins.
- If this applies, SSA considers you disabled for at least 18 months from diagnosis.
- Only one path (A–E) is needed.
Read the original wording
You are being treated with at least two combined types of treatment (for example, surgery plus radiation, or chemotherapy plus radiation) planned together. Treatment counts as started once the first part begins. If this applies, SSA considers you disabled for at least 18 months from diagnosis. Only one path (A–E) is needed.
(Listing 13.02, criterion E)
How long it must last:
- Considered disabling until at least 18 months from the date of diagnosis under criterion E.
- Otherwise, under 13.00H2, an impairment meeting this listing is considered disabling until at least 3 years after onset of complete remission.
Read the original wording
Considered disabling until at least 18 months from the date of diagnosis under criterion E. Otherwise, under 13.00H2, an impairment meeting this listing is considered disabling until at least 3 years after onset of complete remission.