Skin disorders may not only cause pain for those who suffer, but they may also make them a candidate for Social Security Disability benefits. An important factor for qualifying is if the condition impacts a person’s ability to work.
Under the Social Security Administration blue book guidelines, a variety of conditions make a person eligible to receive benefits. After evaluating a case, the SSA may determine if an applicant’s skin disorder necessitates benefits.
Eligible conditions for a claim
There are seven categories for SSD eligible skin disorders. These disorders may be hereditary, congenital or pathological.
Categories for conditions:
- Ichthyosis
- Bullous diseases
- Chronic infections of the skin or mucous membranes
- Dermatitis
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Genetic photosensitivity disorders
- Burns
Evidence to support a claim
Parties need to provide evidence to support their claims. To confirm a diagnosis, the SSA reviews medical results, including blood tests and biopsy results. The SSA generally requests copies of medical evidence from all hospitals and clinics that treated the person.
Evaluation of a claim
The SSA evaluates several factors to determine overall benefit eligibility. The duration, frequency, prognosis and severity of the condition are of primary importance in these cases. If there is pain related to the condition, which affects work, it increases the chances of qualifying.
For example, if a person has skin lesions that involve multiple body parts, interfere with the range of motion or affect motor movements, there is a high probability of qualifying because of how the condition affects daily life.
Requirements to file a claim
The condition needs to have led to an inability to work for a minimum of one year to qualify for SSD. If the SSA approves the case, benefits begin the first month after an applicant makes a claim or becomes eligible for benefits, if it has been over a month. However, if the SSA denies a case, a person may appeal the decision.
