Can I Qualify for SSD Benefits Because of a Skin Condition?

 Posted on October 11, 2021 in Social Security Disability

While there are multiple types of health conditions that can affect a person, issues affecting the skin may seem to be relatively minor. Rashes, bumps, or irritated skin can be troublesome, but these issues do not significantly affect most people. However, there are some cases where skin disorders are severe enough that they affect a person’s ability to work and their overall health and well-being. In these cases, a person may be able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Social Security Listings for Skin Disorders

As with other types of disabilities, a skin condition must be severe enough to limit a person’s ability to maintain substantial gainful activity before they will be able to receive disability benefits through Social Security. The Listing of Impairments, which details conditions that are severe enough to be considered disabilities, includes a section for skin disorders, and it notes that a person’s condition is evaluated based on the frequency and severity of the skin lesions a person experiences, while also considering factors such as how a person reacts when exposed to toxins or allergens, whether there is any seasonal variation in their condition, and whether they need to remain in a protected environment.

Multiple types of skin disorders may involve severe lesions, and these conditions include dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, ichthyosis, or chronic infections affecting the skin or mucous membranes. These conditions may qualify as disabilities if extensive skin lesions persist for at least three months while a person is receiving treatment. Skin lesions are considered to be extensive if they affect a person’s ability to use their joints and cause impairment to at least two extremities, if lesions on the palms of both hands limit a person’s ability to perform work-related tasks, or if a person has difficulty walking or moving about because of lesions on the soles of both feet or in the groin area. If a person has experienced severe burns, they may be considered disabled if they have extensive skin lesions that last for 12 months or more.

A person may also be considered disabled if they have a photosensitivity disorder that requires them to avoid exposure to ultraviolet light. A person with xeroderma pigmentosum will be considered disabled from birth. Other photosensitivity disorders will qualify as disabilities if they have resulted in extensive skin lesions that have lasted or are expected to last for at least one year or if a person will be required to remain in a highly protected environment for at least 12 months.

Contact Our Dallas County SSD Benefits Attorneys

If you have a serious skin condition, or if you have experienced another injury or illness that has caused skin disorders, The Law Offices of Coats & Todd can help you provide the necessary medical evidence when applying for disability benefits through Social Security. We can also help you appeal the denial of benefits or address any other issues that may affect your case. To arrange a free case evaluation, contact our Plano Social Security disability benefits lawyers at 972-671-9922.

Source:

https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/8.00-Skin-Adult.htm