Skin is the largest organ in the body. Some disorders affecting the skin can cause pain and affect a person’s ability to perform on the job.
Other skin disorders are severe enough to have a person considered fully disabled. Usually, individuals suffering from such conditions are eligible for Social Security Disability programs like SSI and SSDI.
The question is, what skin disorders qualify for Social Security Disability? Severe burns, severe dermatitis, chronic skin infections, and bullous disease are some common skin disorders that qualify for disability.
If you have any of these conditions, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if your condition affects your ability to work.
But before you file for disability, read this post to the end to understand the eligibility criteria for skin conditions.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers several factors when reviewing skin disorders. The severity of your condition is the first thing they will consider.
How many skin lesions are on your skin? How much of your body do they cover? Skin disorders that restrict movement or impair fine motor skills are more likely to be deemed severe enough to be disabling.
The SSA will also question the frequency of your breakouts or flare-ups. Is the disorder chronic, or does it come and go? How frequently does it appear if it is not persistent?
Your outbreaks must be somewhat frequent to be eligible for Social Security Disability. Skin problems do not have fixed frequencies or differences.
You must also demonstrate that the skin condition has been interfering with your everyday activities for at least a year and that the flare-ups are severe enough to prevent you from doing meaningful work.
In other cases, it helps if your doctor predicts the skin disorder will persist for a year or more. You must seek treatment for your skin disorder and adhere to your doctor’s instructions to qualify for disability benefits.
This is sometimes the most challenging requirement for disability claimants to meet, particularly those without health insurance or other financial resources to cover dermatological treatments.
What Skin Disorders Qualify for Social Security Disability?
So, what skin disorders qualify for Social Security Disability? Numerous skin conditions can be eligible for Social Security Disability.
But the most common skin disorders amongst disability applicants are:
- Chronic skin infections
- Bullous diseases
- Mucous membrane infections
- Severe burns
- Severe dermatitis
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Photosensitivity disorders
- Ichthyosis
Always inform the SSA if you suspect you may have a lifelong disability, whether a skin disorder or something else. Even if you decide not to file, you should still have it on record.
Doing this makes it easier to show an earlier date for your disability if you eventually decide to file, resulting in more back pay if your claim gets approved.
Like any other Social Security Disability claim, getting your skin problem disability claim approved will not be easy.
The sooner you involve your physician and a Social Security Disability representative, the higher your chances of being approved and beginning to receive disability benefits.
A Social Security disability attorney may make the application process less complicated and more effective.
What If Your Skin Disorder Does Not Meet the Blue Book Requirements?
Sometimes, your condition may fail to match the Blue Book listing. But that does not automatically disqualify you from disability benefits.
You can still qualify through the medical-vocational allowance if you can demonstrate that your disability prevents you from performing any full-time work.
You may provide the SSA test results (such as those from a biopsy) which support your claim by demonstrating the severity of your skin disorder. Additionally, you can present medical proof about the onset, prognosis, severity, and frequency of any flare-ups.
You can show evidence of the presence, number, size, and location of any lesions on your skin. Be aware that the SSA expects you to follow all medical advice and attend your doctor appointments.
You will not be considered disabled if your skin disorder persists because you failed to take the prescribed medications. Along with medical proof, you should also provide evidence of your physical limitations or how your condition affects you daily.
Your chances of approval increase if your doctor can fill out a residential function capacity (RFC) questionnaire outlining all of your disabilities. An experienced disability attorney will confer with the treating physician to present the most convincing claim possible.
Apply for Disability Benefits Today!
If you are suffering from a chronic skin disorder that prevents you from working, you need to take action immediately and establish whether you are eligible for disability benefits. The best place to start is to speak to a disability attorney to learn about your options.
Legal Giant can save you the hustle of vetting and hiring a lawyer. We can connect you with the best Social Security Disability lawyers who will help you at every stage of the application process.
Our partner attorneys will assess your case to determine your eligibility, help you collect the evidence required to prove your claim, and represent you before the administrative law judge, if necessary. They will do everything to get you approved for disability benefits.
Contact us at 833-641-1650 for a free case evaluation.
