Last Updated September 17, 2026
Conditions Center · Cancer · Social Security Disability
Also called pancreas carcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Pancreatic cancer can support SSDI or SSI under Listing 13.20 and, for the named CAL condition, through expedited Compassionate Allowances processing. Pathology still matters. Islet-cell (neuroendocrine) tumors are evaluated under a different part of 13.20. Treatment effects and unresectable disease should be in the oncology record. CAL is not an automatic benefit award.
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
NCI describes pancreatic cancer as a disease in which malignant cells form in pancreas tissues. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common type and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Treatment may include surgery (when resectable), chemotherapy, radiation, or palliative care. Islet-cell tumors behave differently and may secrete hormones.
Common symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
- Abdominal or back pain, weight loss, or jaundice
- Nausea, poor appetite, or new diabetes in some people
- Fatigue and treatment-related neuropathy or cytopenias
- Hormone-related symptoms from some islet-cell tumors
- Effects of biliary obstruction or pancreatic enzyme insufficiency
How can Pancreatic Cancer affect a person’s ability to work?
- Absences for surgery, infusion, radiation, and procedures
- Reduced lifting and endurance from pain, malnutrition, or recovery
- Off-task time from nausea, diarrhea, or enzyme-related restroom needs
- Infection precautions during myelosuppressive therapy
- Need to elevate rest or avoid hazards if opioids or severe fatigue are documented
Does Social Security have a Listing for Pancreatic Cancer?
Social Security currently has listing criteria that may apply: 13.20 (Pancreas). Meeting a listing requires the specific medical findings in that listing, not only the diagnosis.
Listing 13.20A covers carcinoma of the pancreas except islet-cell carcinoma. Listing 13.20B covers islet-cell carcinoma that is physiologically active and either inoperable or unresectable. After a pancreas transplant, Listing 5.12 considers disability for one year from the date of transplant, then residual impairments.
SSA applies Listing 13.20 to the documented histology. Ordinary pancreatic carcinoma meets 13.20A. Physiologically active inoperable or unresectable islet-cell carcinoma may meet 13.20B. CAL processing can identify pancreatic-cancer claims quickly. If a listing is not met, RFC addresses treatment and residual effects. A pancreas transplant is evaluated under Listing 5.12 for the first year.
“Pancreatic Cancer” appears on SSA’s current Compassionate Allowances list (POMS DI 23022.265). CAL expedites identification and processing. Confirm the histology against the current list. Listing 13.20B’s islet-cell pathway is narrower than ordinary pancreatic carcinoma; do not assume every pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor matches the CAL pancreatic-cancer entry.
Can you qualify if you do not meet an SSA Listing?
Yes. A pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor that does not meet 13.20B may still support disability through treatment RFC.
What medical evidence may help document Pancreatic Cancer?
- Pathology identifying carcinoma versus islet-cell tumor
- Oncology staging, resectability, and treatment plan
- Operative and imaging reports
- Nutrition, pain, and treatment-toxicity notes
- Records of biliary stents, enzymes, or diabetes related to the cancer
Testing, imaging, and laboratory studies
- Pathology and immunohistochemistry
- CT, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound used for staging
- Tumor markers interpreted with the clinical picture, not as a standalone listing
Dates of diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and progression belong in one timeline. Unresectable or recurrent disease should be explicit.
How SSA may evaluate residual functional capacity
During active treatment, attendance and recovery often control RFC. After treatment, residual pain, malnutrition, and diabetes may persist.
Common issues that can weaken a disability claim involving Pancreatic Cancer
Omitting histology; treating every pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor as CAL pancreatic cancer; or calling CAL an automatic approval.
What may strengthen the medical documentation
Pathology, a resectability statement, and a complete oncology timeline.
Pancreatic Cancer and related medical conditions
- Cancer — Cancer is evaluated under site- and type-specific listings in Chapter 13.00. A general cancer diagnosis is not one listing, and CAL status must be checked for the exact malignancy.
- Chronic Kidney Disease — Current Listing 6.00 includes separate pathways for ongoing dialysis, kidney transplant, impaired kidney function with complications, and repeated CKD hospitalizations.
- Diabetes — Diabetes has no standalone adult listing. SSA evaluates its documented effects on other body systems and the combined functional limits those complications cause.
- Major Depressive Disorder — Persistent depressive symptoms may be evaluated under Listing 12.04. A diagnosis does not guarantee benefits; SSA also examines severity, duration, and work-related function.
How Brock & Stout may help
We identify Listing 13.20A versus 13.20B, confirm CAL pancreatic-cancer processing, and gather oncology records quickly. We do not call CAL an automatic approval.
Frequently asked questions
Pancreatic cancer appears on SSA’s current CAL list, which can expedite processing. SSA still requires medical evidence and eligibility findings.
Listing 13.20A covers pancreatic carcinoma except islet-cell carcinoma. Islet-cell carcinoma has separate inoperable/unresectable and physiologically active criteria in 13.20B.
Related Brock & Stout resources
Related conditions
Speak with a Social Security Disability attorney
If Pancreatic Cancer is affecting your ability to work, Brock & Stout can review the claim, look for missing medical evidence, and discuss next steps. We do not charge a fee for SSD representation unless we win.
This page is general educational information about Social Security Disability as of the date of this publication. It is not legal or medical advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not guarantee results. Eligibility depends on individual facts and current Social Security rules.
