Forum Discussion

Joinmelb's avatar
Joinmelb
Member
9 months ago

NDIS - Help needed

Hi there everyone,
I am wondering if there is anyone out there that has successfully been able to access NDIS help for severe lymphoedema as a result of lymph node removal?? 
For reference, I have gone through the application process with every single piece of documentation that you could poke a stick at, but have now been told I should be applying under my metastatic breast cancer diagnosis (which I was sure was not eligible for NDIS) and it has been rejected as I don't meet criteria properly. 
Unsure if I should reapply as suggested under metastatic diagnosis, or ask for a review of the decision with further evidence. I require A LOT of arm physio, compression garments, pneumatic pump and am on life time antibiotics for severe and recurrent cellulitis in that arm which has resulted in multiple hospital admissions over the years. Many thanks in advance
  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    9 months ago
    @Joinmelb

    Sorry to read your frustration with NDIS.   I have a sister on NDIS and we met all the criteria,  it was not Cancer related.  She is unable to work or look after herself hence NDIS and Disability Support pension are accessible for us.

    I just googled for you and found this

    Cancer patients do not qualify for NDIS because of cancer alone. If impairment results from cancer or treatment, they may satisfy the NDIS access requirements. For NDIS eligibility, cancer must cause permanent impairment that results in the patient being significantly disabled.11 May 2022

    Consideration of lymphoedema as a disability meeting the specific NDIS requirements will need to occur on a case by case basis. Many individuals may live with and manage lymphoedema as a chronic condition without meeting the disability requirements.

    Hope that helps!  Basically it seems that you need to have an impairment to qualify.   

    I hope you have someone that can help navigate the NDIS 

    Best wishes 
  • Mez_BCNA's avatar
    Mez_BCNA
    Community Manager
    9 months ago
    Hi @Joinmelb sorry to hear of your severe lymphedema. With acknowledgement that you may have already accessed this information I still wanted to share our My Journey article Treatment for lymphoedema - it does mention:

     If you have a Chronic Disease Management plan drawn up for you by your GP, you will be able to access up to five appointments with allied health professionals per calendar year (this can include a lymphoedema trained physiotherapist or occupational therapist).

    Also included article The financial cost of metastatic breast cancer

    While this isn't specific to your question, you could consider calling the Cancer Council 13 11 20 to see if you are eligible for pro-bono financial advice