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Skin Disorders Categorized as Impairments by the SSA

With the hundreds of conditions present in modern medicine that may be considered disabling it is often difficult to determine if your condition falls within the guidelines of the Social Security Administration (SSA). To help applicants determine if they have a disabling condition the SSA has created an online listing of impairments which may be considered disabling if they are severe enough.

For skin disorders, the SSA classifies the following impairments as potentially disabling conditions that may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits: 

• Ichthyosis;
• Bullous diseases such as epidermolysis, bullosa, erythema multiforme bullosum, dermatitis herpetiformis, pemphigus, and bullous pemphigold;
• Dermatitis including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, exfoliative dermatitis, dyshidrosis, and allergic contact dermatitis;
• Hidradenitis suppurativa when the skin lesions are extensive and involve both axillae, both inguinal areas, or the perineum;
• Chronic infections of the skin or mucous membranes with extensive ulcerating or fungating skin lesions;
• Genetic photosensitivity disorders such as xeroderma pigmentosum or other genetic photosensitivity disorder which causes the inability to function outside of a highly protective environment; and
• Burns when the skin lesions are expected to last or have lasted for a period of at least 12 months. 

All conditions that result in skin lesions of any type must have documented evidence that the skin lesions have persisted for at least a period of 3 months even when you have followed prescribed treatments.

For the skin lesions to be considered disabling, they generally must be present in areas that make it difficult to move. This includes areas where they may impair your joints and limit your use of at least two of your extremities, lesions on the palms of both hands that limit your fine and gross motor movements, and lesions on the soles of your feet, perineum, or inguinal areas that impair your ability to walk.

There are numerous factors that the SSA will evaluate to determine if you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. To qualify as a disability, skin disorders are dependant on proving the severity of the impairment, duration of symptoms, and impact on your ability to perform substantial gainful activity. Providing evidence of these requirements can be difficult and inadequate evidence often leads to claim denial.   

Contacting a South Florida Disability Lawyer 

If you or your loved is suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.