Does my severe skin condition qualify me for SSDI benefits?

Severe Skin Conditions and Social Security Disability BenefitsIt may sound absurd to collect disability benefits for a skin condition, but for people who suffer from painful, chronic skin disorders, it can be a lifesaver. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is very clear about the symptoms they consider severe enough to qualify you for benefits. As with all disability determinations, the bottom line is that the condition must be verified by medical evidence and must prevent you from being able to do any gainful activity for an extended period of time. These requirements can be particularly difficult to meet with a skin disorder and you will want to work with the experienced New Mexico SSDI attorneys at Keller & Keller.

What You Will Need to Prove

A serious skin condition can cause the sufferer to experience constant pain and require extensive treatment, preventing them from holding down a job. Some of the questions that will be asked to determine eligibility for SSDI include the following:

  • How extensive are your skin lesions?
  • How frequent are your flare-ups?
  • How do your symptoms limit your activity?
  • How extensive is your treatment?
  • How does your treatment limit your activity?

If your answers to these questions indicate a severe condition that affects your ability to function normally, you may qualify for benefits.

Skin Conditions Included in the Listing of Impairments

While a condition does not have to be specifically listed in the SSA’s Blue Book in order for you to qualify for benefits, it can make the process easier if your condition is listed. Currently, the SSA includes the following conditions under its skin disorder section:

  • Ichthyosis
  • Bullous disease
  • Chronic infections of the skin or mucous membranes
  • Dermatitis
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Genetic photosensitivity disorders
  • Burns

Again, simply being diagnosed with and treated for one of these conditions does not automatically qualify you for benefits. You must also prove that the condition is expected to persist, is severe enough to limit your activity, and prevents you from working.

Work With an SSDI Attorney to Build a Strong Case

If you are suffering from a debilitating skin disorder, contact our disability attorney in Albuquerque to discuss your application for benefits. We can help you gather the evidence you need to substantiate your disability claim.

 

James R. Keller
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Partner at Keller & Keller