Can I Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits Because of My Skin Disorder?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has created a listing of Impairments to evaluate skin disorders and other conditions that can result from hereditary, congenital or pathological processes. These include:

• ichthyosis,
• bullous disease,
• dermatitis,
• chronic infection of the skin or mucous membrane,
• hidradenitis,
• suppurativa, and
• genetic photosensitivity.

If you have a disability that meets the Listing criteria, the Social Security Administration will consider your skin condition as sufficiently severe to prevent you from performing substantial gainful work. As a result, benefits can be awarded at Step 3!

But What About Durational Requirements for Social Security Disability?

The SSA does require that these dermatological conditions persist for a certain period of time in order to meet the durational requirements. The SSA generally requires that you have had a condition that persists for at least three months and that you have gotten continued treatment for at least three months.

This durational requirement is called “persistence”. With the exception with genetic photosensitivity and burns, the SSA will find that an impairment meets a durational requirement if the disorder results in extensive skin lesions that persist for at least three months despite the prescribed treatment.

It’s important that you receive medical treatment and that your medical records document the severity of your conditions. You can also have your physician complete a Residual Functional Capacity form to document the severity and persistence of the skin disorder.

While you might not meet a listing at Step 3, it is possible to get awarded Social Security disability benefits at Steps 4 and 5 if you can’t return to your past work or other relevant work in the national economy.

Appeal Before A Social Security Judge

Skin disease cases can be tough cases to win as Administrative Law Judge’s are not always sensitive to the symptoms or disabilities caused by a skin disorder. That’s why it’s crucial that your medical records document the onset, duration, frequency of flare-ups, and the location, size, and appearance of your lesions. We submit photographs to help our clients get the Social Security disability benefits they deserve.

What You Should Do If You Have A Skin Disease and Need Social Security Disability Benefits

If you’ve been diagnosed with a skin disorder and your doctors have told you that you cannot work, it’s time for you to contact experienced Social Security Disability attorney Nancy L. Cavey who can help you get the disability benefits you deserve.