A Social Security Disability attorney in Phoenix is here to review your situation during an initial consultation, which is 100 percent free and confidential. You are also under no obligation to retain our services even if we determine that you have a valid disability claim.
Skin Disorders Listed in the SSA Blue Book
There are several skin disorders listed in the SSA Blue Book that may qualify you for disability benefits. The most common skin disorders among disability applicants include, but are not limited to:
- Bullous disease – This condition causes fluid-filled blisters to develop in the palms of the hand, soles of the feet and the groin area. Skin lesions must be extensive enough to affect parts of the body for at least three or more months while undergoing continued medical treatment.
- Burns – To obtain disability benefits for burns, your skin lesions must be severe and extensive enough to have lasted or can be expected to last for at least one year.
- Chronic infections of the skin or mucous membranes – Skin lesions must be extensive and either ulcerating or fungating for at least three or more months with continued treatment.
- Dermatitis – This condition (which includes a number of skin conditions, such as psoriasis), can cause itchy, dry skin or a rash on swollen, reddened skin. Your skin lesions must be severe and extensive enough to last for at least three or more months with continued medical treatment.
- Genetic photosensitivity disorders – Being diagnosed with xeroderma pigmentosum (extreme sensitivity to UV rays) will automatically qualify you for disability benefits because the SSA will consider you disabled from birth. Otherwise, your skin lesions must be extensive enough to affect multiple parts of the body to have lasted or can be expected to last for at least a year.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa – Skin lesions must be extensive in both your upper arms (axillae), both sides of the groin (inguinal areas), or the perineum (area around the genitals and anus) for at least three months or longer while undergoing continued medical treatment.
- Ichthyosis – This condition causes dry, scaly, or thickened skin. Your skin lesions must be severe enough to extensively cover parts of your body for a minimum of three months with treatment.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability
The SSA will evaluate several factors before making a disability determination for a skin disorder. They will want to know the severity and extent of your condition, such as:
- The location of the skin lesion(s)
- The size of the skin lesion(s)
- The number of skin lesion(s)
- History of outbreaks or flare-ups
- Any family history of skin disorders
Through your medical records and lab tests, you will need to show that your skin disorder makes it challenging to move or use fine motor skills. For instance, if you suffer from severe psoriasis, the skin lesions on both of your palms must limit your ability to use your hands. Skin lesions on the arms or legs must make it difficult to move your joints while lesions on the soles of both feet must limit your ability to walk.
The SSA will also consider whether your condition happens frequently or is sporadic. To generally qualify for Social Security Disability, any outbreaks or flare-ups must be constant and severe enough to prevent you from working and performing normal tasks for a year or more. Your skin disorder must affect your ability to either walk, sit, stand, lift, pull, push, bend or grasp items.
Additionally, you must be under the care of a doctor and follow his or her orders. Without continued medical treatment, this could greatly impact your chances at being approved for disability benefits.
Disability Based on Medical-Vocational Allowance
If you do not meet or equal an SSA Blue Book listing, you may still be eligible to receive disability with a medical-vocational allowance as long as you can show that your condition leaves you unable to work.
Tests results can help support the seriousness of your condition. Medical evidence could also help detail the onset and length of your condition, the prognosis you received, and the intensity of any flare-ups. If your skin lesions continue in severity, even with medical treatment, you may be deemed disabled by the SSA.
Speak with a Licensed Lawyer To Get Started
Disability claimants with legal representation have a better outcome for obtaining disability benefits than those who do not. If you need help, contact Dayes Law Firm and speak with a licensed lawyer today. We are prepared to walk you through the application or appeals process and advocate for your rights.
Free Consultations. No Upfront Fees. Ph: 1-800-503-2000.